Truro City Council has appointed a facilitator to support applicants seeking grant funding from the New Life for City Buildings project. 

Previously head of project development at Cornwall Enterprise, Len Smith has an extensive background in supporting grant applications, and will use his experience to help owners and landlords secure funding to transform empty floors in their properties into high-quality living space.  

The New Life for City Buildings project has been awarded £3.3 million of Town Deal funding which has to be allocated by March 2026. Led by Truro City Council, the project aims to help revitalise the city by using funding to refurbish, renovate and repurpose buildings in the city centre and unoccupied upper floors. 

Landlords and owners of properties applying for grants are expected to contribute at least 50% of the cost of the works and are responsible for overseeing the construction.  Detailed guidance notes have been produced to support the applications process. 

Truro Regeneration Company, set up by Truro City Council to assess the applications and distribute grants - and where appropriate, buy and regenerate unused buildings so they can be repurposed rather than lying empty - is currently assessing 11 applications in properties across the city centre on River Street, Pydar Street, Old Bridge Street, Victoria Square, St Marys Street and High Cross. 

The first grants are expected to be awarded by members of the Truro Regeneration Company (Regenco) Board by the end of September. “We are looking forward to seeing the first people moving into new living spaces in the city centre,” said board chairman Rupert Hume-Kendall. 

“We are also keen to encourage other owners and landlords with empty spaces above shops or empty or dilapidated commercial buildings on city outskirts to come forward.”

There are around 1,600 private sector businesses in Truro, many within the retail and professional services sector. The city centre currently has an estimated 25,000 m2 of empty or redundant space. 

As well as making more creative use of this space and protecting community assets, the project will improve energy efficiency and future-proof buildings, and provide sustainable employment and apprenticeship opportunities within the construction industry.  

Property owners/operators and landlords interested in taking part in the scheme can request information and an application form by emailing [email protected] 

“This project provides a fantastic opportunity to create a thriving city centre by bringing new life to our historic buildings and encouraging more people into Truro,” said city mayor Cllr Carol Swain. “I would encourage owners and landlords to come forward with their ideas.” 

Truro Town Deal Board, in partnership with Cornwall Council, successfully bid for a Town Deal worth £23.6 million to support projects that will contribute to the city’s regeneration and boost the local economy.