Latest news with #GoodGrowthCommunityLevellingUpProgramme
BBC News
22-02-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Creative hub moves into disused Cornwall bank building
A creative hub has been opened in Cornwall in a former bank building that has been empty for more than seven facility, known as Saltash Studios, in the centre of Saltash, features a creative studio space, flexible hot desks, meeting rooms, an events space and even a Arts CIC, a not-for-profit social enterprise, opened on Tuesday. All income generated by the hub will be reinvested in the Endean, Salt Arts CIC director said: "We are so proud of what we have created and are enjoying welcoming people through the doors to join our co-work community." She added: "The formerly dark and dirty bank is now light and spacious and we are very grateful to the many people who have volunteered time and skills to make this happen." Ms Endean said the refurbishment had cost about £150,000 with key funders including the Saltash Section 106 Fund and Cornwall Council's Community Levelling Up Programme which contributed more than £120,000. Councillor Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council's portfolio holder for the economy, said: "I'm delighted to announce £120,588.38 funding from our Good Growth Community Levelling Up Programme for this exciting project in the heart of Saltash. "Not only will it provide a vibrant new facility for the community, but it also means one less empty building on our high streets."
BBC News
08-02-2025
- Business
- BBC News
New lease of life sought for Cornwall's former chapels and loos
A number of disused buildings in Cornwall are being put up for rent in the hope they can be given a new lease of buildings, including chapels, former toilet blocks and a shop, are being advertised for the buildings are at Cornwall Council-owned sites and they all need refurbishment, the local authority council said the sites were being offered on a 15-year lease, subject to negotiation. It added that it would be offering reduced rent periods where "significant investment" was needed. Performances and workshops Last year, seven chapel buildings were successfully leased through the council's Vacant Chapel seven are currently being renovated, the council of the latest sites to be let is Helston Old Chapel, which is being transformed by a community interest group into a venue for performances and Helston CIC was initially awarded a grant of £17,500 from the Community Capacity Fund to renovate the has since been awarded a further £101,208.25 from the Good Growth Community Levelling Up Programme to enable it to replace the chapel's windows, doors, shutters and floors and upgrade the building's electrics. 'Former glory' Guy Watson, director of Trevow Helston CIC, said the old chapel was "a beautiful, historic building".He added: "These essential improvements will create a space where we can host a diverse programme of theatre, dance, live music, spoken word performances, cultural workshops and participatory projects all year round." Mr Watson said the investment represented "a significant first step in developing a welcoming creative community hub for Helston".Councillor Carol Mould, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods at the council, said it was "fantastic" to see the buildings being "given a second chance".She said: "These are beautiful historic chapels and I'm looking forward to seeing what proposals come forward and how we can work with community groups, businesses and other organisations to bring these buildings back to their former glory."
