Cornwall Councillors today voted to provide £3 million of funding towards the Stadium for Cornwall project.
After more than 50 impassioned presentations from councillors on both sides of the argument, the vote was 69 for, 41 against and seven abstentions.
After many years of false starts and disappointments, delivery of a stadium has never been closer.
The scheme has already secured private investment from the three main partners of the project – Cornish Pirates, Truro City FC and Truro and Penwith College – and will now be hoping that central Government will match the Council’s pledge of £3 million.
Speaking after today’s Cornwall Council meeting, a Stadium for Cornwall spokesperson said: “The stadium partners are delighted that Cornwall’s Councillors have given their support – voting 69 for to 41 against – for our vision to create a hub for Cornish sport, health and wellbeing, education, and business.
“We had thought it might be a close vote, but having such a large majority in favour is a huge positive signal. The vote indicates this is something Cornwall wants and now the partners will move forward to deliver the project subject to the envisaged central government funding being forthcoming.
“We would like to thank councillors for the faith they have shown in the partnership and to take this opportunity to thank all of those from across Cornwall who have come together and supported the Stadium for Cornwall project.
“The partners would like to acknowledge the support of Cornwall Council officers, particularly Nigel Blackler, for their work in assisting the partnership in getting this positive vote at the Full Council today.
“In many ways, the hard work in delivering the stadium starts now and we cannot wait to deliver a stadium that Cornwall can be proud of.”
Cornwall Council cabinet member for planning and economy, Bob Egerton, said: “This decision recognises the wider benefits that a Stadium for Cornwall will bring to the whole of Cornwall. This is money that is set aside to support infrastructure to help grow the wider economy of Cornwall – it is not money that we are in any way diverting from delivering day to day services.”
Members also agreed that the Council helps with preparing, submitting and supporting a bid to the Government for a further £3 million to deliver the Stadium for Cornwall.
Egerton added: “I want to thank our six Cornish MPs for the support that they have given to this project. We will also be submitting a business case requesting a similar figure from central Government. We know that this funding is not guaranteed, but we will continue to work with the MPs and we are hopeful that it can be achieved.”
