Duchy leads on seaside regeneration
Cornwall has a lot to teach the rest of the country about regenerating seaside towns and helping them thrive, according to a senior member of the House of Lords.
The good work being done in Cornwall’s seaside communities – including the Jubilee Pool projects – was highlighted during a visit by five members of the House of Lords Regenerating Seaside Towns Committee.
Cornwall has a lot to teach the rest of the country about regenerating seaside towns and helping them thrive, according to a senior member of the House of Lords.
The good work being done in Cornwall’s seaside communities was highlighted during a visit by five members of the House of Lords Regenerating Seaside Towns Committee.
The visit was part of their inquiry into the complex challenges faced by coastal communities.
Committee chairman Lord Bassam of Brighton said: “We’ve seen some powerful insights into what works in terms of regenerating seaside towns and villages. Cornwall has a lot to teach the rest of the country.”
The cross-party group of peers visited Newquay to see the Nansledan housing development and to hear how the Newquay Safe Project, which tackles under-age drinking and anti-social behaviour, has helped to transform the town.
They also visited St Ives to hear about neighbourhood planning, and Tate St Ives to see how art and culture can be a driver for change.
On a visit to Jubilee Pool in Penzance, the peers saw how a successful community benefit society has worked with partners including Cornwall Council and the local community, to turn around the fortunes of the iconic landmark which was almost destroyed in the winter storms of 2014.
Martin Nixon, one of the directors of Jubilee Pool Penzance Ltd, said: “I hope the select committee will take away with them the importance of the power of com- munity involvement.
“By establishing a community benefit society we have proven that the power of the people can really work.
“Through them we have managed to put together a business case which will safeguard this wonderful facility for the long term.”
During their fact-finding visit, peers met senior representatives of Cornwall Council as well as local leaders in business, education, tourism, and culture.
“They also heard about the challenges of providing services in coastal communities from fire, police, waste collection, beach cleaning and parking services.
Cllr Bob Egerton, Cabinet portfolio holder for planning and economy at Cornwall Council, said: “There are some great initiatives to celebrate in Cornwall which show the success that can be achieved when the council and communities work together to help our seaside towns and villages be vibrant and successful.
“The success of Jubilee Pool in Penzance and how Newquay is transforming its image are good examples of where the local community, major agencies and national government have all worked together to overcome adversities and also seize opportunities.
“There are many challenges that our seaside towns and villages face such as seasonal and low-paid work, the number of second homes and global issues like severe weather and climate change.
“But there are also opportunities from arts and culture to high-tech marine industries, from a growth in ‘foodie’ destinations to greater interest in active leisure.”
‘Cornwall has a lot to teach the rest of the country’
LORD BASSAM OF BRIGHTON