Truro has been awarded an initial £750k from the Government’s Towns Fund for an array of projects aimed at regeneration and boosting economic growth.
Bike parking across the city, event equipment, refurbished community centres and sports facilities are among the projects approved for the Accelerated Capital funding.
Inspired by the annual City of Lights community art project and lantern parade, a festive trail of light-up installations across Truro’s shop windows this winter season is another key project to be given a welcome cash boost.
It’s the first funding to be confirmed as Truro Town Deal board is busy shaping themes to form an investment plan to bid for at least another £25 million for regeneration projects.
Truro is one of 101 towns to be selected to bid for the £3.6 billion Towns Fund set up by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Carole Theobald, chair of Truro Town Deal board, said: “This first award of funding is incredibly welcome, and gives a flavour of the further projects we’ll be bringing to life in the coming weeks as part of our larger bid.
“We selected each of these successful projects for their ability to strengthen our communities, improve our city as a place to live and work, as well as drive footfall and visitor numbers.
“Several are set to be delivered by the end of this year, so it’s exciting that this funding will have an impact on Truro very soon.”
Meanwhile, St Ives has been awarded £450k from the same scheme for its Skatepark Regeneration Project.
Sarah Stevens, chair of the St Ives Town Deal board, said: “The skatepark was chosen because it had already been submitted to the Town Deal board as an Expression of Interest via the website and was already a well-developed project.
“The Skatepark Group have also already raised a considerable amount of money which will be used to match the government grant and make the new skatepark even more fabulous. It’s a community aspiration and been talked about for years and it will bring real and significant benefits to this residential area of town, where further projects are being planned for local community benefit.”
The Town Deal is St Ives is working hard to engage the community and gather all ideas that will enhance and improve the town and lots of ideas have been pouring in. Like Truro, St Ives Town Deal is looking to pick up a total of £25million with a full investment plan going to Government later this year.
And five projects in Penzance and Newlyn are set to benefit from a £500k investment through the scheme.
The money will cover a range of initiatives in the town, including bike shelters, shop mobaility, prom works, an outdoor gym in Newlyn and work on the historic Acorn Theatre.
Chair of trustees at the Acorn, Paul Mullin, said: “This is fantastic news for the Acorn and for everyone who comes here to perform, enjoy performances, take classes or volunteer.
“The theatre was last upgraded over 20 years ago and this, alongside the wonderful generosity of our friends and supporters, will go a long way to securing the venue’s future for the next generation.”
Meanwhile, the Town Deal board will continue to work on its investment plan for a larger £25 million bid.
