Place Shaping

In 2018 Helston CIC (HCIC) was formed by local residents concerned with the lack of investment in the town. Working with Helston Town Council and Cornwall Council, the HCIC team consulted widely to identify opportunities for improvement projects and the outcome of this activity resulted in an initial Place Shaping Plan for Helston.

Following this work, in 2020 a Place Shaping Board for Helston was established with members of HCIC, Town Council and representatives from business, residents and local community groups. Supported by a successful bid for £100,000 Town Vitality Funding the Board developed the Plan into a set of fully designed and costed projects. The community was given an opportunity to express views on this Place Shaping work at an open public consultation event in May 2022 which was also available on-line. Details of the projects presented and the consultation outcomes can be accessed via the buttons further down this page.

Since 2022 the Place Shaping Board have actively sought capital funding for Helston to support the Place Shaping projects. Having been initially unsuccessful with an £18M bid to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the Board continued to seek funding for Helston. This led to recent success with the Helston Gateway project (£2.6M), walking and cycling infrastructure improvements (access to Penrose, Meneage Road crossing and a wider Local Cycling and Walking Plan), investment in facilities in Coronation Park and plans for improvements to the town entrance areas.

In 2023, the Place Shaping Board was reconstituted with an updated Vision and new, broader membership. Work continues to develop plans for Helston and seek funding to improve the town. Recent success with the Town Accelerator and Town Delivery funds is supporting further project activity which will be announced in early 2025.