Activities and experiences are set to be developed in Newquay to help promote the town as a winter destination after £365,426 of funding was allocated.

Experience Newquay aims to extend the tourist season and encourage people to experience the town's distinct character and culture during the winter months following investment from the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

The funding will be used to support the local creative, leisure and heritage sectors by developing activities and experiences that reflect the unique assets of the local area.

The project will make improvements to the town centre, which could include interpretation and art installations. 

A community engagement programme will offer opportunities to get involved with the help of local creatives and artists.

The specific location will be confirmed following engagement with key stakeholders who will help shape the focus of the investment.  

A free business training programme will be designed to meet the specific needs of the local business community, with a focus on collaboration and how businesses can develop experiential and sustainably viable offers to appeal to visitors in the low season.

The scheme has been match funded by Cornwall Council’s Town Centre Revitalisation Fund, after a similar successful pilot project in West Cornwall. 

The peak visitor months of April to September currently account for 67% of visitors and by extending the tourism season, the project aims to help businesses stay open year-round and provide more permanent employment opportunities. 

A launch event is planned for Autumn 2023 where local businesses can meet the project team and hear about the future plans.

A skills survey will follow, and the training programme will be based on these results and tailored to the specific requirements locally.  

Longer term, there will be opportunity for local businesses to get involved with the project’s low season marketing campaign. 

 Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy and Divisional Member for Newquay Central & Pentire, said: “Following on from the success of the Experience project in West Cornwall, we are able to continue to build on the approach and promote Cornwall as a year-round destination. 

“It is a great opportunity to collaborate with the local community in Newquay whilst linking to the amazing work already happening in the town. 

“Bringing the business community together and helping to promote Newquay’s cultural uniqueness to help drive footfall and visitor numbers from October to March is another hugely beneficial investment to the town.” 

Businesses can sign up to the Experience Newquay Business newsletter to stay up-to-date,,where all the free future opportunities will be shared as the project progresses.   

Residents are being encouraged to follow and subscribe to the Experience Newquay Let’s Talk page to stay up to date with the project’s progress.  

The project has received £365,426 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth’s “Town, Rural and Coastal High Street Development and Skills Programme”.

The aim of this funding opportunity is to support local businesses through increasing visitor numbers to town centres and neighbourhood shopping areas.