Historic England has announced that three historic sites in Penzance and Newlyn, all of which have benefitted from support by Penzance Council, will be ‘saved for future generations’ thanks to a major funding boost across the region.
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. The one-year fund prioritises heritage sites serving disadvantaged communities and which demonstrate strong local benefits, from job creation to cultural events.
In all, 37 buildings and sites across England – including seven in the South West – will get part of £15 million in repair grants. In the parish of Penzance, successful projects, totalling over £1million, will see repairs to the interior of 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.
The fund operates alongside Historic England’s existing Heritage at Risk programme, targeting sites requiring immediate action to prevent further deterioration. Penzance’s Market House will be given £672,707, Newlyn’s Old Harbour will receive £199,301 and the MusicAbility Centre in Parade Street will be given £402,000.
Louise Brennan, director of regions at Historic England, said:
“Thanks to the extra funding from the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, we are able to breathe new life into neglected historic buildings that we haven’t been able to help through our existing grant schemes. This initiative will not only boost economic growth but also create amazing opportunities for people in some of the nation’s most disadvantaged areas. We’re thrilled to support projects that harness the power of heritage to make a real difference where it’s needed most.”
Heritage minister Baroness Twycross added:
“Our extraordinary heritage weaves together the stories that define who we are as communities and as a nation. We are delivering on our Plan for Change, through the Heritage at Risk Fund, by breathing new life into treasured places, buildings and monuments across the South West, helping to increase opportunities and ensuring that future generations have access to our rich heritage.”
Market House, Penzance
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.
See all the pictures from inside Market House in the slider galleries below:
Inside Market House – First Floor
Inside Market House – Ground Floor
Inside Market House – Basement
Newlyn’s Old Harbour
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.
MusicAbility Centre, Penzance
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.
