Helston's high streets could be dramatically transformed to attract more footfall and increase the sense of community.

That is the proposal from the Helston Place Shaping team who will present the plans on Wednesday (25th) and Thursday (26th) between 10am and 8pm in the Guildhall.

As reported this week, work has been progressing on projects which are now ready for public input in preparation for the recently announced Levelling Up Fund bid.

Plans to dramatically transform Helston's high streets. Asia Grzybowska, Smallwood Architects.

David Turnbull, from Helston CIC, said:

"Helston has a thriving community, but as with many small market towns, the centre has lost its spirit. However, there is plenty of opportunity to improve the town centre and attract more visitors and locals to use the town's amenities and businesses. The heritage and architecture of the town centre is outstanding and must be the cornerstone for all proposals which aim for improvement."

"Several recent projects have achieved notable success. The Museum of Cornish Life, CAST, refurbishment of the Grylls Monument and Coronation Park have proved extremely successful and attractive to visitors. But we are still struggling with declining town centre footfall – we need more reasons for people to come to Helston and enjoy its streets."

The Re-imaging Helston's High Streets project is aimed at improving the main town centre areas, including:

• Enhance Coinagehall Street, refurbish the kennels and pavements, and improve pathways in Meneage Street. Make more space for pedestrians and improve crossings for easier pedestrian movement.
• Refurbish the key access points such as Horse & Jockey Lane and make the centre of town more welcoming. Celebrate Helston's opes and lanes.
• Restore the town's historic identity and pride in its impressive architecture.
• Increase a sense of community within the town centre by creating space for meeting, conversation and shared activity.
• Reduce through traffic whilst enabling full access to all areas of the town.
• Attract more footfall to support the town centre economy.

David added:

"These are complex proposals, and the team has been working closely with Cornwall Council and Highways to identify ways that we can make Helston more attractive and less traffic dominant – reducing 'through traffic' whilst making Helston as welcoming and easy to access as possible for all visitors. whilst keeping.

"The diagram and visuals are just part of the proposals being shown at the public consultation on 25th and 26th May in Helston Guildhall. 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.