The Camborne Town Deal board has been given further details of the projects officially approved for funding.
The first tranche of Town Deal funding for four Cornish towns (Camborne, Penzance, St Ives and Truro) was announced by the Government earlier this week and work will now get underway on a significant town improvement programme.
Eight projects in Camborne were originally given the go ahead to develop business plans last spring and seven of these have now been officially approved. The eighth, involving large-scale town centre regeneration and replacing the original Buzz Station proposal, has been awarded a six-month extension. Final approval for that business case is expected early next year once the public consultation phase has taken place.
Grant funding agreements will now be issued for the following:
- Fibre Park
Led by the Headforwards software development company, this project will create substantial digital workspace and world class connectivity at former Cornwall College and SWEB locations. It will also provide school outreach activities.
- Project A-Void Phase 2
Led by BID Camborne, this will offer a further round of improvement grants to local businesses as well as helping to fill vacant shops and refurbishing run-down premises.
- Renovating the Recreation Ground
Led by Camborne Rugby Football Club, planned work includes creating a walking/cycling exercise circuit, replacing the grandstand roof and refurbishing the changing rooms.
- Park Gerry Sport and Amenity
Led by Camborne Town Council, this will include transforming the Park Gerry fields into an accessible sports hub with new pitches, a multi games area and new paths and seating.
- Food and Farming Enterprise Hub
Led by Duchy College, developments on the Rosewarne campus will promote a ‘farm to plate’ philosophy that will include a new training kitchen.
- Camborne Contemporary Crafts Hub
Led by Create CIC, the Donald Thomas Centre will be refurbished and repurposed to develop a state-of-the-art contemporary craft facility accessible to all.
- Life Cycle Camborne (Cycling and Walking Network)
Led by Cornwall Council, the Roskear Route will provide key sites with walking and cycling connectivity.
Camborne Town Deal chair Val Dalley said: “This is a really important milestone as work can now begin in earnest on transforming Camborne into a place that is more visually appealing, offers more educational and career opportunities, has better facilities and supports good health.
“It’s a very exciting time and we look forward to plenty of visible activity in the weeks and months ahead.”
George Eustice, MP for Camborne and Redruth and member of the Camborne Town Deal board, said: “Since first being elected in 2010, I have made a commitment that the economic regeneration in Camborne, Redruth and Hayle was my number one priority. Over the last 12 years, I have worked hard to deliver on that promise.
“It is welcome news that the first seven Camborne Town Deal projects have been approved by the Government and work can now commence. This will now allow for projects like the creation of a ‘Fibre Park’ tech hub and the renovation of Camborne Rugby Club’s facilities to start.”
