AN initial meeting to discuss how to grow prosperity in Camborne has been greeted enthusiastically by the businesses attending.

Held at Camborne Community Centre, the Prosperity Accelerator Partnership is part of Project A-Void Phase 2, a Government Town Deal funded initiative conceived and delivered by BID Camborne.

With the aim of bringing empty commercial properties into use, discussions focused on creative ideas for using redundant premises. These included temporary solutions like drop-in sessions and pop-ups, encouraging more start-up businesses and young entrepreneur schemes and how to attract inward investment.

Anna Pascoe, BID Camborne manager, said: “It was a really productive session. There was a very positive vibe and those attending were keen to contribute.

“Given its location, accessibility, heritage and community, Camborne is a great place to do business. The Prosperity Accelerator Partnership is all about collaboration and working together to make things happen.

“Judging by our first meeting, there is real enthusiasm for moving forward and filling commercial voids in innovative ways. Camborne is known for its inventiveness and I’m looking forward to the progress we can collectively achieve.”

The next meeting, to be held before Christmas, will focus on partnership working with local schools and colleges.

Val Dalley, chair of Camborne Town Deal, said: “Our high street is Camborne’s beating heart, and we want to do all we can to encourage local talent and use empty properties for productive, sustainable purposes.”

“We are a close community, and it makes absolute sense to share ideas and create opportunities that benefit us all.”

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for the economy, added: “Town Deal is all about delivering locally created solutions so it’s good to see this Town Deal project bringing Camborne people and businesses together to identify and welcome new ideas and occupiers to their town centre.”

Project A-Void Phase 2 has received £506,290 from the government’s Town Deal programme. Camborne Town Deal Board, in partnership with Cornwall Council, successfully bid for a Town Deal worth £23.7-million to support a range of projects that will contribute to the town’s regeneration and boost the local economy.