Great News For Camborne: The Basset Centre & White House Saved

Camborne Town Council has successfully bid for a further share of the £23.7 Million Camborne Town Deal, to deliver two new projects that support part of the replacement of the Town Deal’s original Buzz Station plans.

The Basset Centre and White House on Basset Road have been identified for disposal by current owners Cornwall Council and are at risk of being lost as assets of community value. Camborne Town Council who are current tenants in the Basset Centre, have bid to save the buildings using Town Deal funds with the ambition to create a mixed-use, state-of-the-art community hub.  

‘When the Buzz Station project couldn’t progress any further, the Board got straight to work to help identify other viable opportunities in the town. We are delighted Camborne Town Council will play an integral part in the move forward to deliver the Town Deal vision.’     

                                                                      Val Dalley, Chair of Camborne Town Deal & Town Councillor

It is anticipated the two listed buildings, linked with an impressive foyer, will house the Library in modern, spacious accommodation, a youth café, a large multi-use performance and events space, heritage displays and space for community activities for residents of Camborne.

‘This opportunity has come at the perfect time for Camborne’s communities and our organisation. We are growing to respond to the needs of the community and want to provide more. The Town Deal funding allows us to do just that, we will provide what the people of Camborne want and deserve.’

                                                                                                       Cllr Mike Champion, Mayor of Camborne

Although the Council would have liked to keep the existing Library Service in The Passmore Edwards Building, this is not possible, as the Library Service and it’s activities have outgrown the space. The Library will now be staying in the Basset Centre, and the move will allow us to provide more for the community, including many more activities and events. The Passmore Edwards Building will be retained and used to provide more space for the growing staff team, meeting space and the Council Chamber.

Additionally, in a move to address more regeneration needs in the town, the Town Council hope to acquire the vacant land at Kerrier Way (near Tesco). The plan is to utilise the Town Deal funding to create an attractive public green space, where residents and employees of the local business community can enjoy activities such as picnicking, playing and enjoying floral displays.   

The Mayor continues,

‘We are very good at providing top quality public amenities. We anticipate, like the Recreation Ground and our plans for Park Gerry, that the site at Kerrier Way will be delivered at a very high standard for the community to enjoy.’                                              

These projects add to the impressive portfolio of public amenities managed by the Town Council and join Park Gerry to make three Town Deal projects led by the organisation.

For more information on Camborne Town Council: www.camborne-tc.gov.uk

For more information about Camborne Town Deal and it’s various projects: www.cambornetowndeal.com