Plans to revitalise former Helston Budgens building with community cafe, climbing wall, and soft play area

Helston CIC has shared exciting proposals that would turn the empty Budgens building into a vibrant community space.

Helston CIC, working closely with Cornwall Council, Helston Town Council, and a number of local community groups signed a formal agreement in March to secure the building on Trengrouse Way which has been empty since 2017.

Work has taken place to identify what facilities would fit within the space with input from Helston College and local youth clubs.

How the upper floor of the former Budgens building could look. Credit: Helston CIC.

The suggestions have been put together to create a fantastic amenity for Helston and provide another good reason for people to use the town centre.

The proposals show a complete redevelopment of the building - turning it into a community hub with:

• A multi-use games area, climbing wall, roller skating, market/exhibition area, daytime activities, events, and performances.
• Community information space, one-stop-shop service.
• Cafe with a balcony.
• Community cafe, meeting place, comfortable seating, wifi, phone charging.
• Youth training.
• Food hub/community larder
• Space for community activities and support.
• Youth cafe training kitchen.
• Youth cafe. Youth support office/meeting room.
• Cycle hire/repair.
• Taxi office/rank.
• Disability support.
• Town bus/minibus station.
• Cycle parking/charging.
• Disability equipment parking.
• Children's soft play.

Designs for the multi-use indoor space. Asia Grzybowska, Smallwood Architects.

David Turnbull, from Helston CIC, said:

"If we can provide more reasons for people to come to Helston we will improve the vibrancy of the town. The team has been trying to secure the use of a number of empty premises in the town – for living space, workspace, and community use.

"One building that is now progressing to the stage of detail design and costing is the old Co-op/Budgens supermarket. This building and the surrounding area are in desperate need of investment but could provide a fantastic amenity for Helston. And provide another good reason for people to use the town centre."

The community cafe. Asia Grzybowska, Smallwood Architects.

Plans for improvements to Helston Town Centre will be on show in the Guildhall on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th May between 10am and 8pm.

The public consultation will give the community a chance to view the full set of plans, which also include the lower floor of the building and proposals for the surrounding Trengrouse area. This will help the team to further focus design work so that full costings can be completed for the Levelling Up Fund bid at the end of June.

New terrace area. Asia Grzybowska, Smallwood Architects.

David added:

"A key aspect of the proposals is to ensure the building is sustainable both economically and environmentally. Renewable energy sources such as solar panels and ensuring the building includes green spaces, both inside and outside, are being considered – much needed given the current state of the area.

"If you would like to have your input, please come along, view the plans, and discuss the proposals with members of the Helston Place Shaping team. Further details can be accessed within the projects section of the Discover Helston website."

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