07.09.06
Exhibition highlights town's regeneration success

A photographic exhibition demonstrating the success of the Falmouth Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme (HERS) has opened to the public.

The exhibition was launched on Wednesday (September 6th) at a celebration event that was organised by Carrick District Council and held at the Carrick First Stop Shop, in Falmouth's Church Street. It features before and after photographs of buildings and opeways that were transformed through the HERS.

HERS projects are aimed at regenerating town centres by improving historic buildings and access. The Falmouth HERS ran from February 2001 until March 2005 and was led by Carrick District Council. The bulk of the £1 million investment came from the Objective One European Regional Development Fund (almost £362,000); £191,000 from English Heritage; £150,000 from the Single Regeneration Budget; £121,000 from Cornwall County Council and £107,000 from Carrick District Council. This in turn levered in almost £700,000 of private sector investment.

While there are now several similar schemes in key towns around Cornwall (HERS and THIs – Townscape Heritage Initiatives), Falmouth HERS was the first of its kind to receive Objective One investment. It was a resounding success with jobs created and safeguarded and millions of pounds of additional income brought in for businesses.

The scheme attracted national attention and those involved with the Falmouth HERS project have been asked to provide advice across the country as well as in other Cornwall districts.

Dr Alyson Cooper, HERS project manager, said: "The scheme has had spectacular results and has demonstrated, with quantifiable results, how the repair and refurbishment of historic buildings can contribute to economic regeneration. It has levered in significant private investment and generated confidence and optimism which has encouraged other businesses to improve their premises. We felt that an event was needed to mark this success and to thank all those who invested in the project. This was a perfect time to launch the exhibition, a smaller version of which will now be shown in venues around Cornwall."

Wednesday's event included representatives from the investors (English Heritage, Objective One and Government Office South West, The South West Regional Development Agency, Cornwall County Council and Carrick District Council); Falmouth Town Council; The Falmouth Civic Society; The Falmouth Conservation Area Advisory Committee; contractors and professional agents who worked on the individual projects, previous project officers and members of the grants team and, most important, the owners of the buildings themselves.

The HERS investment was used to make improvements to the town's historic opeways, with new surfaces and lighting, and to buildings - to some by the reinstatement of lost architectural details, and to others by making vital repairs. Local artists were also involved to design public seats and distinctive metalwork.

Wherever possible traditional techniques were used and historic photographs consulted to find original building details. Opeways were resurfaced to give a better grip and more suitable handrails were provided to ease access on these steeply sloping paths.

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Objective One Partnership, said: "The conservation of Falmouth's historic character plays a vital role in its economic regeneration by providing a quality environment for business activity and private sector investment. The Falmouth HERS project has set a quality benchmark for both further conservation work and new build alike."

The Women's Institute, in Webber Street, was one building that benefited. WI secretary Betty Ross said: "The works carried out on the outside of the building by the Falmouth HERS encouraged us to undertake works on the inside of the building. We have had lots of positive feedback from existing members and the scheme and its works have had a positive influence on the Women's Institute."

Results of the HERS scheme included:

To protect HERS investment other projects are now underway including 'Take Pride in Falmouth' and a gutter cleaning scheme.

For further information please contact Clare Morgan, media relations manager for the Objective One Partnership office on 01872 223439 or email cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the Falmouth Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme (HERS) through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Editor's notes:

A full and an abbreviated version of a report on the Falmouth HERS scheme, including photographs, can be found at: www.carrick.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=3068

The Falmouth HERS exhibition will remain at the First Stop Shop, 34 Church Street, Falmouth until Wednesday September 13th. Opening times are 8.45am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am to 4.45pm Friday. After that the exhibition is likely to go elsewhere in Falmouth, then to Carrick District Council in Truro. For more detail contact Kelly Henderson-Morris on 01872 224570.

The Women's Institute (13 – 14 Webber Street) is an 18th Century stone rubble and stucco fronted townhouse that was remodelled possibly in 1917. HERS work included the complete renewal of the front slope of the main roof in new Cornish slate, laid in random widths and diminishing courses. The metal roof lights were replaced with more sympathetic conservation equivalents. Joinery repairs included those to the striking timber tripartite arched and transomed windows on the first floor. Repairs and redecoration of the stucco, repairs to the slate hanging at the rear, re-building of the chimney and replacement of the rainwater goods in cast iron completed the restoration of this important building.

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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