Prestigious Award for Nansledan Development: Kew An Lergh Shines on National Stage

Nansledan’s Kew An Lergh development, a project spearheaded by the Duchy of Cornwall, has won a prestigious national award, earning praise from judges for its significant social impact. The striking development, made up of three Arts and Crafts-style buildings, was crowned winner of the Commercial Development category at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) UK Awards in London last week (4th October).

Community-Led Regeneration Triumphs

Kew An Lergh, meaning “Way Close” in Cornish, is the first commercial development directly delivered by the Duchy in Nansledan. The project was designed by ADAM Architecture and brought to life through a collaboration of local suppliers and contractors, ensuring the protection of jobs during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these difficulties, the project was completed on time, on budget, and to the Duchy’s exacting standards.

Judges praised the development for its sustainability credentials and the positive impact it has had on the local community, noting that while it is a small-scale development, its impact on the area’s commercial environment and social fabric has been considerable. Kew An Lergh’s nursery school, shops, and offices now sit around a landscaped central square, attracting a wide range of businesses and creating opportunities for local suppliers and contractors.

📷NANSLEDAN, NEWQUAY : December 15 2023 : Christmas Market night featuring seasonal stalls in Kew An Lergh and a visit from Santa Claus, photographed by Hugh Hastings for the Duchy of Cornwall.

Photo: NANSLEDAN, NEWQUAY : December 15 2023 : Christmas Market night featuring seasonal stalls in Kew An Lergh and a visit from Santa Claus, photographed by Hugh Hastings for the Duchy of Cornwall.

A Vibrant Hub for Local Businesses

The development is home to an eclectic mix of businesses, including Naturally Learning nursery, vintage clothing store Love of Lemons, café and deli Sabzi, The Loft yoga studio, Linggard and Thomas Accountants, Solve Web Media, television production company Beagle Media, and Jackson’s wine bar. A remaining unit is set to be transformed into a community hub by the Nansledan Community Association, providing a space for creative groups and social activities.

Key features of the development include buildings incorporating local Cornish granite, renewable energy from a ground source heat pump, and a historic bell crafted nearly 400 years ago in Bodmin, now installed in the nursery’s bell tower. Clay tiles made by the nursery children also decorate the building’s exterior, adding a distinctive touch.

Previous RICS Success for Nansledan

This isn’t the first time Nansledan has been recognised by the RICS. In 2020, the community’s primary school, Skol Nansledan, which opened in 2019, was awarded the RICS Social Impact Award for its positive influence on the community.