Heartlands will become a focus for the regeneration of some of the most deprived areas of the UK in Camborne, Pool and Redruth, Cornwall. As one of the UK's first carbon neutral developments, it will transform an unattractive post-industrial landscape in Pool, into a site of special historic, social, economic and environmental significance - a thriving new meeting place in Cornwall for both local residents and visitors. Heartlands will include an exciting mix of new uses and activities - new exhibitions on the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site centred around the old Robinson's Shaft at Pool, new performance and event areas, business spaces, housing, community facilities, play and relaxation spaces, new artworks - all set within a dramatic new park landscape at the heart of the former industrial community.
Heartlands will be an independent not-for-profit social enterprise run by Heartlands Trust through a wholly owned trading subsidiary. It will seek no central or local government support, but through endowment income, trading, future fund raising and donations is will operate and develop the site and its facilities. The Objects of the Trust ensure that all its activities are for benefit of local residents, businesses and visitors to the South West.
Strategy
The central focus of the project is place making - the creation of a new mixed-use area attracting local residents, businesses and visitors to create a thriving, economically successful, community-focused destination. Heartlands will realise this vision through a range of complementary businesses, owned by a local charitable trust and operated through its trading subsidiary:
- Park, Public Realm and Visitor Centre - an important part of the enterprise is new public realm, exhibitions, Parkland and Gardens surrounding the former Robinson's Shaft mining site. These are free to access during open hours. These offer an amenity for local residents and form an attraction for visitors to the South West.
- Food - the Trust will operate a significant food operation with a cafe, corporate food and potentially wedding receptions. In addition there are two retail outlets on site selling bought in products and artist's work on commission.
- Lettings - charges will be made to rent open spaces for markets and events, hire offices or studios and to park cars.
- Rental - rent will also be charged for those who live on site but who may not wish to purchase accommodation
- Events - the trust will also act as an event organiser, occasionally originating events but predominantly using third party providers.
This development mix is designed to work across a range of business cycles - helping support the shoulder portions of the tourism season with lettings and events. Core income sources are provided from residential rents and energy sales. The mix is designed to create a unique destination with compelling differentiation in a number of regional market places:
- A park, adventure play area, gardens and visitor centre which are free to enter
- Attractive spaces for rent and hire for businesses in a landscape setting with few competitors
- An integrated, low energy development for residents with a clear green ethos
- An interpretation offer which honours and goes beyond mining heritage to embrace the debate about the future of Cornwall and its culture
- A strong artistic and cultural offer with space for exhibition, sales and events
- A Hall (Bobel) large enough to hold community events, regional conferences, performances or cinema
