Funding has been secured to acquire and refurbish the derelict Budgens supermarket in Helston with the aim of creating space for community-based services and activities.
South Kerrier Alliance CIC (SKA) has been successful in raising £2.6 million to acquire the building and refurbish the exterior and upper floor.
Work will begin immediately with a target completion date of March 2025.
Cornwall Council is providing £2,131,806 from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, which it manages and is funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and a further £500k from the Council’s Town Centre Revitalisation Fund.
The project also ensures that the lower floor will be developed for future community use. SKA, which built and operates The Old Cattle Market building and manages Coronation Park, is leading the project.
Proposals build on initial work done by Helston CIC and the plans developed through the Helston Place Shaping Board in 2022.
Negotiations to confirm the services and tenants which will be based in the building are underway and will be confirmed in due course once agreements are in place, but now having secured capital funding, the building has been acquired and work can commence.
SKA director, David Turnbull, said: “We were determined to find a way to make this building work for everyone in Helston and provide the essential services our town deserves, encouraging people to use our town centre.
“It has taken a huge amount of effort to reach this stage and we’re grateful for the work done by the Helston Place Shaping Team and invaluable support from our Cornwall Councillors Guy Foreman and Mike Thomas, the help and assistance from many Cornwall Council Officers and Cabinet Members and continuing support from Helston Town Council.”
