The foundations have just been completed for the new ‘Chy-an-Bobel’ community building which includes a hall to accommodate around 200 people and sit alongside the restored grade 2* listed Robinson’s Shaft buildings as part of the Heartlands development.
Meanwhile, work is continuing on the other elements of the development, including the restoration of the engine house, preservation of the head gear and conversion of the workshops. The commissioned artists are busy at work creating the gateways as well as works to sit within the park. The World Heritage mining exhibition which will be housed in the engine and winding house is also in production.
Cllr Carolyn Rule, Cornwall Council said: “It’s very exciting to see the new buildings starting to take shape, and it’s very fitting that the first foundations to be laid should be the Chy-An-Bobel community building, as the local community has always, and will always be, at the very heart of this project.”
Scott James, Programme Director for Heartlands said: “Getting the foundations of the community buildings laid is another step forward in what is a very complex construction and restoration project. The construction team is working hard, through all variety of weather conditions, to ensure we stay on schedule for opening in autumn 2011.”
Heartlands is a £35 million social enterprise that is transforming a derelict 19-acre former mining site into a self-sustaining community asset that will be run by a Trust in perpetuity. Heartlands will include a new visitor destination and gateway to the World Heritage Site around the former Robinson’s Shaft mine complex, plus performance and event areas, quality business space, accommodation, community facilities, play and relaxation spaces all set in a new park and garden landscape, shaped by Cornish culture and heritage.
Heartlands became a reality when the Big Lottery Fund granted £22.3 million towards the £35 million Cornwall Council led project. Additional investment has been provided by Cornwall Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), which has provided funding and more than £6m worth of land towards the development.
Trevor Ives, area manager for the HCA added: “It’s great news that building work has started on this exciting development, which will have a huge impact on the surrounding area. This project is fundamental to the area’s regeneration, and it’s so exciting to see the vision for Heartlands actually taking shape on site.”
To view the construction from the comfort and warmth of your own home log on to the Heartlands website www.heartlandscornwall.com where two webcams are posting pictures of the construction every day
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