Camborne has been awarded £23.7m by the Government to help transform the town and provide a better future for its residents.
Nine projects were proposed in an investment plan submitted by the Camborne Town Deal Board after being selected as one of 101 towns in the UK invited to apply for the regeneration funding available.
Central to the Town Deal vision is the Buzz Station, an iconic, vibrant complex that will house plenty for all age groups to see and do – including a small theatre and performance venue. Home to innovative start-up workspaces, a small amount of accommodation and a covered outdoor piazza, this project is expected to breathe new life into the town centre.
In a bid to create more well-paid jobs, the ground-breaking Fibre Park will provide almost 7,000 square metres of digital connectivity at former Cornwall College and SWEB locations, creating a number of employment opportunities in the burgeoning tech industry.
To encourage healthy living, every young person in Camborne will be given a bike and helmet. A network of cycling and walking routes are also planned and the community spaces at Park Gerry and Camborne Recreation Ground will be re-vamped.
Work to dramatically improve the look and feel of the town will continue with Project A-Void Phase 2 funding grants for local businesses and abandoned or dilapidated premises brought back into use.
New job opportunities, as well as new chances for training and development, will be on offer in the food and farming enterprise hub intended for the Duchy College Rosewarne site and a new contemporary crafts hub will be established in the Donald Thomas Centre.
The Town Deal board comprises a group of individuals from the private and public sectors who have worked tirelessly alongside Cornwall Council officers during the last twelve months to develop Camborne’s vision and plan.
Val Dalley, Vice Chair and Acting Chair of Camborne Town Deal Board said: “Absolutely fantastic news of £23.7 million for Camborne. It is a real opportunity for the town and community, bringing back a sense of pride in where we live. There is a focus on young people, who are the future of our town with opportunities within the various projects to raise their aspirations in what they can achieve. I am really looking forward to the plans being a springboard to the town’s regeneration.
Members of the board can be justly proud , after 18 months of hard work and many, many meetings to get to this point and we look forward to bringing all of these great projects to fruition.”
News of Camborne’s success has been warmly welcomed by local MP and Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs George Eustice.
Following the Announcement of the Camborne Deal local MP, George Eustice said: “The success of Camborne’s Towns Fund Bid is a significant step forward in the regeneration of the town. Since I was first elected, I always made clear that economic regeneration in Camborne, Redruth and Hayle was my number one priority. This £23.7 million represents an exciting opportunity in the revitalisation of Camborne.”
Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for the economy Stephen Rushworth said: “This funding announcement for Camborne is fantastic news and I commend all of those who continue to work so hard and determinedly to help Camborne build back better and kickstart the towns regeneration for the benefit of residents and businesses.”
Work will now begin on developing business cases for each of the projects.
For more information, visit www.cambornetowndeal.com
Camborne