Stadium proposal is revived once more
THERE are hopes that the controversial Stadium for Cornwall could finally be built, if Cornwall Council is successful in its bid for some of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund cash.
The stadium at Langarth, near Truro, has been planned to be the base for Cornwall’s main rugby union and football teams, with community and conference facilities. Despite receiving planning consent in 2015, it has remained in limbo, due to wrangles over land ownership and funding.
Last year, it was revealed how the project from Cornish Pirates, Truro City, and Truro and Penwith College might have to be scaled down from 10,000 seats to 6,000 seats due to rising costs.
In 2018, the venue was estimated to cost £14.3 million, but costs are believed to have increased since. However, the Stadium for Cornwall project, which first saw the light of day way back in 2005, could finally see the light of day after it was included as one of four schemes to potentially benefit from the first tranche of Levelling Up Fund (LUF) cash in Cornwall.
The stadium, along with a new metro link between Newquay and Falmouth and town centre improvements for St Austell and Helston, are in competition with projects from all over the UK for a slice of Levelling Up funding.
Cornwall Council said its bids will face stiff national competition but the council has been invited to submit applications for works which fit the criteria guidance issued by the Government, and which can be ready to start within the strict timeframe set.
If approved for funding, the Mid Cornwall Metro (MCM) project will improve transport links between Newquay and Falmouth, providing a sustainable transport corridor through the middle of the Cornwall, connecting some of the county’s most deprived communities to employment, education (including higher education and university), and key services, as well as supporting key areas of growth.
St Austell would see a programme of town centre improvements rolled out while Hayle would also use any funding for the redevelopment of the town, with a particular focus on transport, community assets and public realm.
Each parliamentary constituency will only be allowed one successful application for the Levelling Up Fund, and those areas not included in these initial applications will be prioritised in the future.
‘We promised we would work to create a Cornwall where people can live well’ STEPHEN RUSHWORTH
This funding is separate to the £123 million of Shared Prosperity Funding announced last week for Cornwall. The council will be trying to maximise investment in order to deliver the Government’s Levelling Up agenda.
Cllr Stephen Rushworth, Cornwall Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for the economy, said: “This is just the beginning, with further LUF funding and Shared Prosperity Funding also due. When we were elected, we promised we would work to create a Cornwall where people can start well, live well and age well, and this is a very real step in the right direction.
“I look forward to continuing to work with our communities to identify other projects that will make a real difference to the every-day lives of people across Cornwall.”