Fresh plans have been put forward to breathe new life into parts of Camborne, 

An application has been submitted to create Kerrier Way Greenspace, including paths, seating areas, a grassed amphitheatre, lawn and wildflower areas with amenity planting and tree planting on land north east of the Tesco store, Foundry Road as part of the Camborne Town Deal plans.

A design statement says: “Despite this relatively prominent location, the site is currently in a neglected state, having being left undeveloped and largely unmaintained since demolition and reclamations works were completed in 2011. The site holds outline planning permission for residential development, though this has not been progressed by the current owner.

“The proposals seek to develop the site as a public greenspace , so that this key location can contribute in terms of townscape aesthetics and interest, and provide amenity and recreational value to local residents.”

As part of the overall town-wide enhancements, Kerrier Way Greenspace will “create a community green space, which will not only provide a peaceful, green sanctuary for community wellbeing, but also allow 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”.

The network of footpaths the through the space have been arranged to serve existing desire lines, provide access to points of activity and interest, and connect to pedestrian routes through the surrounding townscape. The grass amphitheatre has been designed to be a multi-functional resource, acting as an informal meeting/ gathering spot, a natural play area and events space. Traditional Cornish hedges are proposed along boundaries facing the busier roads (Kerrier Way and Perryway) to create an environment that feels safe.

Cornwall Council has also received a “planning performance agreement” pre-application for the creation of new community hub facilities including library and performance space at the Basset Centre and neighbouring White House on Basset Road as part of the £23.7m Camborne Town Deal plans.

It is anticipated the two buildings, linked with an impressive foyer, will house the library with a youth café, large multi-use performance and events space, heritage displays and space for community activities for residents of the town.

Originally constructed as a boarding school in 1893, the Grade II listed Basset Centre currently provides a home for Camborne Library and several small to medium size meeting spaces used by the town council. The first floor was used as Cornwall Council offices but these now stand vacant.

The Grade II listed White House, also known as 24 Basset Road, was originally built as a large detached two-storey home in the mid-19th century. The building was used as Cornwall Council offices until 2017. It now lies empty.