Penzance Council Takes Control of Princess May Recreation Ground: A New Era for Local Space

Penzance Council has officially taken over the management of Princess May Recreation Ground from Cornwall Council, marking a significant milestone for the local community. This long-awaited transfer is seen as a crucial step in enhancing the area, which serves as a popular spot for households and families in Penzance East.

A Tribute to Melville Durrant

The handover follows years of dedicated efforts by local volunteers, particularly Cllr Melville Durrant and the Princess May Recreation CIC. James Hardy, Penzance Town Clerk, highlighted the tireless work of Melville and the volunteers in maintaining the recreation ground. Melville, who tragically passed away earlier this summer, was a key figure in the original development of the site in 2005, when the skatepark and play facilities were installed.

“This is another new start for the Rec,” said James, “the transfer from Cornwall Council comes with a Devolution Grant, and we will be working to bring more investment and improvement over time to continue Melville’s work.”

Building on Previous Successes

Penzance Council plans to collaborate closely with the Princess May Recreation CIC to build on the success of previous site devolutions in the parish. Other projects, like the Alexandra Play Park and Tennis Courts on the promenade and the Foxes Lane play area in Mousehole, have benefited from increased maintenance and improvement initiatives under Penzance Council’s management.

Cllr Stephen Reynolds, Mayor of Penzance, described the handover as a “landmark moment,” bringing the recreation ground back into the control of the local community. He expressed his gratitude towards the volunteers of Princess May Recreation CIC for their longstanding commitment to the site.

“We now have a great opportunity to work with the local community to invest in improvements that will make the Rec an even better place for current and future generations to enjoy,” Stephen added.

Community Involvement Key to Future Plans

Over the coming months, Penzance Council will be assessing how the site is currently managed and exploring potential changes to benefit the community. They are seeking input from residents and local partners on how the space is used and what improvements are needed for the future.

Cllr Nadine Tonner, representing Penzance East Ward, emphasised the importance of community involvement. “This excellent result is another demonstration of what local community and working together can do to make positive changes happen,” she said. “The local community now have the opportunity to decide how they want this shared space to be used.”

Get Involved

Penzance Council will soon announce details of community consultations on their website, social media channels, and local noticeboards. Residents are encouraged to participate and share their ideas for the future of Princess May Recreation Ground.

This is a chance for the community to shape the future of a beloved local space. Keep an eye out for updates and make sure to have your say in the development of the recreation ground.

Photo: Community Stakeholders celebrating the upcoming devolution of Princess May from Cornwall Council earlier this summer. 
From left to right: Cornwall Councillor Tim Dwelly, Maggie, Simon & Betty from Whole Again Communities CIC; the late Cllr Melville Durrant; James Hardy (Town Clerk); Brian Tempest (Princess May Recreation CIC); Jennie Massey (Treneere Grows); Penzance Cllr Nadine Tonner; Cllr Stephen Reynolds (Mayor of Penzance); Caroline Peers (Humphry Davy School Governor); Nicky Mendham (Princess May Recreation CIC), Kirstie Oliver (Deputy Head of Humphry Davy School), Terry Binns (Chair of Governors, Humphry Davy School).