15.09.04
Visit by HRH The Duke of Cornwall to Harvey's Foundry, Hayle

HRH The Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, will be visiting Hayle in West Cornwall to open Phase 1 of a project to regenerate the historic Harvey's Foundry. The foundry is all that remains of a massive industrial complex that, at one time, produced 80% of the world's steam engines.

The foundry would have been demolished in the 1980's but for widespread local protests. It was then Listed and local people began a campaign for its repair.

A local Partnership representing the community and key public agencies, led by Penwith District Council, developed a regeneration project and created the Harvey's Foundry Trust to take ownership. The Prince of Wales's Regeneration Through Heritage initiative, which assists community groups to develop proposals for the sustainable re-use of redundant heritage buildings, supported the Partnership, and the Prince visited the derelict site in 1998 to launch the plans for its regeneration.

Penwith suffers some of the highest levels of deprivation in Britain and the Foundry project is the most important development in town for many years.

Phase 1, costing £1.98million, sees the restoration of the Drawing Office on Foundry Square for offices and specialised document storage by Cornwall County Archives. Renamed John Harvey House it is acclaimed for the quality of its design. There is also a stylish new building to provide space for small businesses that is fast filling up. Phase1 will accommodate 51 jobs.

Final funding approvals are awaited for a second phase that will convert other heritage buildings for craft workshops and Live-Work units. This work is linked with wide-ranging town centre improvements in a combined project of £4.1 million. A final phase will tackle the main three-storey building for further workspace, café, shops and a heritage visitor centre.

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Editor's notes:

QUOTES

Penwith Council Chief Executive, Jim McKenna said:

"The Foundry project is absolutely critical to the future regeneration of Hayle, and a tremendous example of a project inspired and driven by local people. It will both conserve a vital part of Hayle's industrial heritage and use it to create new jobs and opportunities for the future. Already the project has helped us attract a further £2million for work on other important buildings in the town".

Fred Taggart, Director of the Prince of Wales's Regeneration Through Heritage initiative said:

"We have worked with Penwith Council and local people for six years to develop this project, which uses Hayle's unique heritage to create a beautiful environment and much needed new jobs. It is a classic example of heritage–led regeneration and will be of national interest. The Prince has taken a very close interest from the beginning. He knows how hard local people and funders have worked to make the project happen, and is looking forward to meeting them.
I congratulate Penwith Council, and its Chief Executive, for immediately recognising the potential in regenerating Harvey's Foundry. It is a 'breakthrough project' for Hayle and the key that will unlock further regeneration, including the historic harbour. It is also a central part in Cornwall's bid for World Heritage status for its industrial heritage."
The other funders, particularly the European Union, Cornwall County Council and the Regional Development Agency, also showed vision and courage in backing the community to deliver this project. It just shows what can be achieved when people work together."

Oliver Pearcey, Director of Special Projects at English Heritage, said:

"For over a hundred years Harvey's Foundry and works were the economic powerhouse of Hayle, exporting Cornish know-how and craftsmanship all over the world. The still imposing remains of the works, and the extensive harbour facilities associated with it, are unique historical survivals of a key Cornish industry and an essential element of the current bid for World Heritage Site status. They dominate and articulate the urban structure of Hayle and provide a major resource for its regeneration."

The Mayor of Hayle, Councillor Mrs Marjorie Roberts, said:

"They say that when the Harvey's Foundry clock stopped, progress in Hayle stopped. Now that it's working again there's a renewed feeling of optimism throughout the town."

John Pollard, Chairman of Harvey's Foundry Trust said:

"The Harvey's Foundry project provides a wonderful example of how it is possible to build on the history and importance of Hayle in the past to help create a new, vibrant and exciting future for our town.

The local volunteers who have toiled for over 10 years to bring about this exciting project are able to see their labours taking shape with Phase 1 in place, Phase 2 beginning and Phase 3 being planned. This would not have been possible without the work of a dedicated and persistent local group, the expertise and support of Penwith District Council and the intervention of Regeneration through Heritage.

The visits of His Royal Highness help focus the attention of everyone on this success story and highlights that change can be managed, progress does happen, new opportunities can be forged from dilapidation and decay and at last the heritage of Hayle is being acknowledged."

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Objective Partnership said:

"The Objective One Programme is proud to have invested in and be a part of the exciting developments at Harvey's Foundry. The renewed spirit of the foundry reflects renewed confidence in the potential of Cornwall as a place of economic and business excellence."

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Sue Wolstenholme
Objective One Communications
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01579 370991
lmroberts@cornwall.gov.uk

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