European investments are improving island life

Porthcressa regeneration project was completed in May 2013 as part of the European Convergence funding programme to create workspace and public facilities.

The Porthcressa project redeveloped a number of existing spaces including an old lifeboat shelter to create new, high quality workspaces as well as a new library, registry office and tourist information centre.  Since the completion of the regeneration, the £2.5m of funding continues to deliver benefits to both residents and visitors to the Isles of Scilly and it looks set for a bright future.

In two of the new workspaces you’ll find Beth and Becky.  Becky is owner of “Becky’s Scilly Cakes”, a hugely popular decorative cake business that has been flooded with orders since moving in to the unit from her home kitchen.  Next door is Beth who runs the islands’ magazine, “Scilly Now and Then”.

Beth said, “It’s completely revolutionised how we do things.  There’s no other publishing facility on the islands and we’ve already branched out in printing leaflets and building websites.  We have more growth ideas and we now have the space to do it.”

The library has become a focal point within the community providing valuable resources including books, public computers, free to access wifi and a meeting space for a number of social groups including Age UK.

Island resident Grace who very recently joined the library membership said, “I finished education a couple of years ago and have got out of the habitat of reading. The new library is great, I’m really impressed”.

Annual visitor to the islands Richard brings his family every year; it’s a long way from his banking job in Greenwich.  Richard said, “My kids are here with me today, they are reading and have even completed research for their school holiday homework. I’ve used the internet access to stay in touch with work and check emails this week, it’s a really smart facility.”

The new home for the Islands’ registry office has also transformed lives.  Since its completion the number of ceremonies has trebled thanks to its modern facilities and unrivalled views across Porthcressa beach.  Superintendent Registrar Alison Gardner said, “This is now a space where we are proud to marry people.”

Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly, Councillor Amanda Martin said, “The successful Porthcressa redevelopment has proved to be very popular with residents and visitors. It demonstrates the great benefits that European funding has made possible in the Isles of Scilly.”

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Notes to editor

European Regional Development Fund

The project has received £2,524,720.00 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Convergence Programme 2007-2013.  The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.  For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding

Contact
Alex Ledbrooke
Engagement Officer, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ITI Support Team (European Structural and Investment Funds)

Mobile – 07854 039960
Email – aledbrooke@cornwall.gov.uk
Website – www.cornwallislesofscillygrowthprogramme.org.uk
Twitter – @GrowthProgramme

Economic Development and Culture
Cornwall Council
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