12.01.06
31 jobs created as new work space at Wheal Kitty opens
Thirty-one new jobs have been created with the transformation
of the Engine House and the construction of new units, at
the former mining site at Wheal Kitty near St Agnes.
An official opening ceremony today (January 12) marked the
formal completion of the project with all units on the site
now occupied by a range of businesses including surf board
design and website development, to engineering research and
personal training.
Today's opening ceremony saw former tin miner Colin
Wills strike a symbolic sledgehammer blow bringing the Cornish
industrial heritage site back into use.
The first phase of Wheal Kitty's transformation was
completed in 1997. Phase two has seen more than £1 million
invested in transforming the Grade 2 listed Engine House and
the construction of new units providing flexible modern business
accommodation ranging in size from 50 sq metres to 200 sq
metres. This has created 31 new jobs and safeguarded a further
nine.
The project had investment from the South West of England
Regional Development Agency (RDA), the Objective One Programme
for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and Carrick District
Council.
Cllr Gill Wilson, Carrick's portfolio holder for local
economy, said: "We've seen huge demand for
the new units because local businesses want high quality,
well designed workspace. I'm delighted that this historic
site has now been brought back into economic use and look
forward to watching these businesses grow and prosper in the
future."
Stephen Bohane, head of operations in Cornwall and the Isles
of Scilly for the South West RDA, said: "This project
demonstrates the role the RDA is playing in delivering high
quality workspace in Cornwall, especially in areas where the
costs of development would be prohibitive for a private developer."
Carleen Kelemen, director of the Objective One Partnership,
said: "This is a good example of partnership working
and these workspaces will now be able to provide employment
for generations to come. This project is one of a £70
million suite of workspace projects that have been invested
in by Objective One. It builds new opportunities on the footprint
of our past."
For further information please contact Stephen Gilbert of
Deborah Clark and Associates on 01872 276276 or email: stephen@dclark.co.uk.
The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the
Isles of Scilly has invested in the Wheal Kitty workshop project
phase two through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Editor's notes:
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The South West of England Regional Development
Agency was created in April 1999 to further the economic
development and regeneration of the area; to promote business
efficiency, investment and competitiveness; to promote
employment; to develop the skills relevant to employment;
and to contribute to sustainable development. |
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Wheal Kitty Workshops Phase II cost £1,032,000.
The architects were Lilly Lewarne Practice of Truro, the
contractor was K H J Trethewey & Sons of St Erne.
Practical completion was achieved on June 1, 2005 –
two days ahead of schedule and within budget. |
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As a group of historic mine buildings in a beautiful
landscape Wheal Kitty demanded a high standard of design
and build. Environmental design features worthy of note
include: |
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Ground source heat pump in the engine house |
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Grey water system |
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Super insulation in the new build using a recycled paper
product |
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Permeable car parking surface |
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Local materials, and timber from sustainable sources |
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The project has created 726 square meters of workspace,
safeguarding 9 jobs and creating a further 31. |
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The other ten firms at the Wheal Kitty site are: |
Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439
cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk
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