A neglected, underused area in Camborne is about to be transformed into a green leisure space.
Camborne Town Council has appointed a contractor to carry out landscaping and ground remediation work at Kerrier Way Approach having acquired the site and obtaining planning permission.
The scheme will involve constructing a low, informal grass amphitheatre, a central seating area, benches, Cornish hedging, plus planting of large canopy trees and pollution absorbing shrubs.
Bespoke artwork is also being commissioned to reflect the area’s rich industrial and cultural heritage.
The area is located on land formerly owned by Holman’s, Camborne’s bygone famous mining factory and is one of 11 projects in the town to benefit from Town Deal funding.
The design brief states: “The Kerrier Way Project will create a community green space, which will not only provide a peaceful, green sanctuary for community wellbeing, but also allows for performance, education events and social interaction in the landscape.
“This project will transform two areas of unattractive scrubland, in a prominent location for the town, into a green gateway to the commercial centre of Camborne, which is not just aesthetically beneficial, but will encourage investment into the town, help build stronger community cohesion and contribute towards national and local strategies to combat climate change.”
A public consultation will be held during the process to re-name the site from a shortlist of options.
John Cosgrove, the vice-chair of the Camborne Town Deal board, said: “Kerrier Way Approach is located on a key route into Camborne and once developed, will represent a lush, green gateway, to the town’s commercial heart.
“It will be a pleasant place to relax, whilst also giving a much needed and transformative makeover to what is currently redundant wasteland. I’m excited by what’s being planned – it will really make a difference.”
Camborne has been awarded a total of £23.7-million in Town Deal funding – the highest amount in Cornwall.
The other schemes include the Basset Centre and White House redevelopment, Co-Working Space, Camborne Renew, Camborne Contemporary Crafts Club, Project A-Void Phase 2, Life Cycle Camborne, Fibre Park, Park Gerry Sport and Amenity, Food and Farming Hub and renovation of the Recreation Ground.