Construction has started on transforming a dilapidated commercial building in Camborne town centre into a modern co-working space.

The former Boots on Trelowarren Street is being redeveloped as part of the Town Deal programme, from which the project received a grant of more than £1.5 million.

The project, which is being led by co-working space specialists Forward, was granted full planning consent in November and will be open for business in early 2025.

The Foundry will comprise coworking desks, meeting rooms, private studios, phone booths, a members’ kitchen and lounge, an event space, and a courtyard garden.

Cornish architectural practice, Poynton Winter Bradbury Cole are the designers behind the new co-working space, Foundry.

Director Chris Turner explains: “We are excited to see the project enter the construction phase.

"The design will breathe new life into these historic buildings, which will have a number of different spaces for co-working and a landscaped courtyard garden in the centre.”

The cleverly positioned garden will be on the site of a former warehouse building that was demolished as part of the regeneration project. 

The project is funded by the UK Government’s Town Deal programme in partnership with Camborne Town Deal Board and Cornwall Council.

Forward have been creating inspirational, design-led workspaces in towns and cities across the South West since 2007.

Their members are freelancers, ambitious start-ups, visionary entrepreneurs and growing small businesses.