MUCH-LOVED historic buildings and sites across the UK, including some in Cornwall, will be saved for future generations through a £15-million in repair grants.

The Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, led by Historic England and funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, will rescue listed buildings and sites facing dereliction or demolition.

Projects range from Victorian market halls to medieval churches, creating new jobs and community spaces.

The one-year fund prioritises heritage sites serving disadvantaged communities and which demonstrate strong local benefits, from job creation to cultural events.

Successful projects in Cornwall include repairs to Penzance's historic Market House, the conservation of Newlyn's 700-year-old medieval harbour and the transformation of a historic civic building in Penzance into a music centre.

Though partly vacant in recent years, the Grade I listed building is set for a remarkable transformation.

This project will build on significant Town Deal funded repairs to the derelict east section of the Market House, bringing it back to life as a vibrant food hall, restaurant and community services hub where young people and entrepreneurs can develop and thrive.

The restored Market Hall will become a catalyst for revitalising the town centre, strengthening Penzance's burgeoning food sector, its evening and visitor economies, while generating civic pride.

As a centre for the local community, it will champion local businesses and create employment opportunities in hospitality, ensuring this architectural gem continues to serve future generations.

The 700-year-old medieval harbour fell into disrepair when the fishing industry moved to an enlarged harbour in 1900. This historic granite structure then became a graveyard for unused fishing vessels, resting against the deteriorating stonework.

Newlyn Harbour’s restoration project aims to conserve the historic structure of the Old Harbour and the unique remnants of coal tar and pitch from fishermen’s working practices, using historic photographs from the 1890s to the 1920s for the restoration.

Local specialists and engineers will be employed to restore the granite structures and the remaining 19th century wrought iron railings around the quay. More than a dozen working berths will welcome historic fishing vessels once again.

In making the Old Harbour available for community use, this transformation will create a vibrant venue for artistic and maritime events, restoring local pride and enjoyment through celebrating Newlyn’s rich seafaring heritage.

Built in 1828, the elegant building on Parade Street once stood as Penzance's cultural and commercial centre, housing the Penzance Library, Commercial News Room, Savings Bank and the Penzance Shipping Company.

A rare survivor of a subscription library from this period makes it an important piece of Cornwall's civic heritage.

This project involves a full restoration of existing building fabric and refurbishment works, bringing it back into public use as the MusicAbility Centre. The building will offer music lessons and groups, music therapy and regular concerts.

The MusicAbility Centre will continue Penzance’s rich cultural legacy, serving as a creative hub for young people to learn and experience music and the arts, with a performance space to host inclusive programmes.