A TOURIST attraction in Cornwall has been given £300,000 by the government towards creating a new £1.5-million education, skills and learning hub.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, near Mevagissey, has announced that it has been successful in applying for funding to create the education centre, to be called the Heligan Learning Seed Pod, at the heart of its 200-acre historic estate and gardens.

The money has been provided through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is being managed in the county by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.

The funding will enable the Lost Gardens of Heligan to refurbish existing unused buildings in the grounds as it creates the hub.

The money will also mean the attraction can create four permanent jobs within a team that will set up and run an educational programme.

Lost Gardens of Heligan chief executive David Harland said: “Our current work focuses on nature recovery and we are excited to share our best practice and learnings with the visitor and local communities alike.

“Heligan, of course, is an anagram of ‘healing’ and is a natural home for a programme incorporating health and wellbeing in nature, growing and horticulture, and sustainability.”

The attraction says the hub will provide a permanent facility to make Heligan and Cornwall an important champion for agriculture, horticulture and systems change. It will also provide practical amenities for local community groups.

Lost Gardens of Heligan managing director Laura Chesterfield said: “The nature of Heligan and its activities means that it’s open to all and we will seek to support groups in our community.

“The large indoor classroom will become a base for groups such as the Heligan Scouts as well as forming a home for a wider volunteer programme.”

Cllr Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy, said: “I’m pleased to see the team at Heligan harness Good Growth funding to create a new multi-use facility supporting a range of education, skills and learning activities.

“This will be of benefit to visitors, local residents and community groups and will see new jobs and volunteer opportunities created.”