Major Milestone for Truro’s New Life for City Buildings Project as First Refurbishment Completed

First major milestone reached for city centre building revamp scheme

A once-empty building in the heart of Truro has been brought back to life, marking the first major milestone for the New Life for City Buildings project, led by Truro City Council.

The three-storey property on New Bridge Street, which dates back to the early 1880s when it was used as offices by Furniss biscuits, has been completely refurbished thanks to a £147,679.97 grant from the scheme.

From abandoned restaurant to new homes

Owned by Tony and Cynthia Martin, the building was previously used as a restaurant. The couple had initially planned only to tidy it up, but after hearing about the possibility of funding through the city council’s scheme, they opted to aim higher.

Now complete, the building offers two high-quality, two-bedroom apartments with ensuites on the first and second floors, and a newly refurbished commercial space on the ground floor, large enough for multiple occupants.

“We are delighted to have finished this project which is bringing much needed accommodation and commercial opportunity right into the heart of the city,” said Tony.

“The support we received from the NLCB project and Regenco was invaluable,” added Cynthia. “It not only enabled us to undertake a bigger project than we could deliver on our own, but it also ensured we could deliver it to a higher standard, with real attention to quality and finish as well as greatly improved environmental performance.”

Breathing life into the city

The New Life for City Buildings project, delivered by Truro Regeneration Company CIC (Regenco), aims to regenerate unoccupied and underused spaces in the city centre. It supports owners and landowners in transforming upper floors into quality living and working areas or acquiring and renovating properties that have been neglected.

“It is fantastic to see the completion of the first project to be awarded a New Life for City Buildings grant,” said Rupert Hume-Kendall, Chair of Regenco.

“This scheme has brought the building back into sustainable use,” said Truro Mayor, Councillor Chris Wells, who visited the site. “I look forward to seeing other projects which have now been awarded grants come to fruition in the coming months.”

Two more buildings awarded grants

Two further properties have now secured funding and are preparing to begin refurbishment works this summer:

• 24 King Street – Owned by Stewart and Wight Ltd, this Grade II listed building will retain its retail space on the ground floor while the upper floors are converted into a duplex flat. It has been awarded £149,573.50.

• 62/63 Fairmantle Street – Owned by Chytek Limited, which works with Cornwall Council to provide emergency housing, the former commercial building will be converted into six residential units for temporary accommodation. It has received £119,364.88.

“This scheme will help breathe life into the High Street,” said Paul Harrison, who is managing the King Street project. “It’s far better to look up in the evenings and see the glow of curtain light rather than cobwebs and failing paintwork.

“From our perspective the grant makes the project financially viable where previously it would have sadly been dismissed.”

More applications in the pipeline

Another business has been made a grant offer and is expected to sign shortly, with further applications being considered. The city council hopes these projects will continue to unlock Truro’s potential and deliver more homes and workspaces where they’re needed most.

Stay tuned to find out which building will be transformed next.