to transform one of Camborne’s historic buildings into a Contemporary Crafts Hub, thanks to funding from Camborne Town Deal.

Create CIC has completed the purchase of the Donald Thomas Centre, a grade two star-listed Greek Revival building in the centre of town.

The revamp is one of eight projects supported by the government’s Town Deal fund and will mean the centre can offer courses, equipment hire and workshops in ceramics, fused glass, and jewellery.

Donald Thomas was a local businessman and philanthropist who gifted the building to the people of Camborne in the 1960s. Until 2017 it was used as a day centre for older people.

Jean Charman, chairperson of the Camborne Community Centre Trust, said: “Donald Thomas would be so proud to see it being restored and preserved for future generations.

“As trustees we’re delighted to see such an important part of our town’s history and heritage in safe hands, with wonderful work being done here.

“The building dates from the early 1800s and, because of that, needs a lot of work. If Create CIC hadn’t come along, it would have fallen into disrepair as we didn’t have the money to save it.”

Previously it has been used as a literary institute, a museum, a church and a gymnasium for the Camborne School of Mines.