A series of disused chapels are being advertised to let in the hope they can be restored to their former glory and given a new lease of life.

As part of Cornwall Council’s Vacant Chapel Scheme, 10 buildings including chapels, former toilet blocks and an apple store, are being advertised for rent. All the buildings, which are no longer in use, are located at Cornwall Council-owned sites and require refurbishment.

The sites are being offered on a 15-year lease, subject to negotiation, and where significant investment is needed there will be a rent-reduced period in recognition of the works required.

Last year seven chapel buildings were successfully leased through the scheme and are currently being renovated.

One of the latest sites to be let is Helston Old Chapel which is being transformed by a community interest group into a venue for performances and workshops.

Following an initial grant of £17,500 from the Community Capacity Fund, Trevow Helston CIC has been awarded a further £101,208.25 from the Good Growth Community Levelling Up Programme to replace the chapel’s windows, doors, shutters and floors, and upgrade the electrics.

Guy Watson, Director of Trevow Helston CIC: “As a Community Interest Company, our mission is to enrich Helston through regularly offering high-quality, aspirational creative and community events and activities.

“Helston Old Chapel as a beautiful, historic building has given us a base allowing us to make a much bigger impact on the town.”

He added: “These essential improvements will create a space where we can host a diverse programme of theatre, dance, live music, spoken word performances, cultural workshops, and participatory projects all year round. This investment represents a significant first step in developing a welcoming creative community hub for Helston.”

Councillor Carol Mould, portfolio holder for Neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see these buildings being given a second chance and transformed into valued community spaces.

“These are beautiful historic chapels and I’m looking forward to seeing what proposals come forward and how we can work with community groups, businesses and other organisations to bring these buildings back to their former glory.”

More information about the sites and the tendering process can be found on the Cornwall Council website.