The first tranche of Camborne Town Deal funding has been announced by the Government and work will now get underway on a significant town improvement programme.

Eight projects were given the go ahead to develop business plans last spring and seven of these have now been officially approved.

The eighth, involving large-scale town centre regeneration and replacing the original Buzz Station proposal, has been awarded a six-month extension.

Final approval for that business case is expected early next year once the public consultation phase has taken place.

Grant funding agreements will now be issued for the following:

Fibre Park

Led by the Headforwards software development company, this project will create substantial digital workspace and world class connectivity at former Cornwall College and SWEB locations. It will also provide school outreach activities.

Project A-Void Phase 2

Led by BID Camborne, this will offer a further round of improvement grants to local businesses as well as helping to fill vacant shops and refurbishing run-down premises.

Renovating the Recreation Ground

Led by Camborne Rugby Football Club, planned work includes creating a walking/cycling exercise circuit, replacing the grandstand roof and refurbishing the changing rooms.

Park Gerry Sport and Amenity

Led by Camborne Town Council, this will include transforming the Park Gerry fields into an accessible sports hub with new pitches, a multi games area and new paths and seating.

Food and Farming Enterprise Hub

Led by Duchy College, developments on the Rosewarne campus will promote a ‘farm to plate’ philosophy that will include a new training kitchen.

Camborne Contemporary Crafts Hub

Led by Create CIC, the Donald Thomas Centre will be refurbished and repurposed to develop a state-of-the-art contemporary craft facility accessible to all.

Life Cycle Camborne (Cycling and Walking Network)

Led by Cornwall Council, the Roskear Route will provide key sites with walking and cycling connectivity.

Camborne Town Deal Chair, Val Dalley, said: "This is a really important milestone as work can now begin in earnest on transforming Camborne into a place that is more visually appealing, offers more educational and career opportunities, has better facilities and supports good health."

George Eustice, MP for Camborne and Redruth and member of the Camborne Town Deal board, said: "It is welcome news that the first seven Camborne Town Deal projects have been approved by the Government and work can now commence.

"This will now allow for projects like the creation of a 'Fibre Park' tech hub and the renovation of Camborne Rugby Club’s facilities to start.

"While the 8th and the largest project has been delayed by the issues with purchasing the bus station, I am looking forward to it also being approved in due course after it was granted a 6-month extension.

"Camborne used to be one of the richest towns in the South-West and it is important that we work to bring back that vitality to its town centre once again."

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet member for economy, said: "With the first year of funding now in place, Camborne can now start to deliver on the projects that will make a difference to their communities.

"So much work has gone on behind the scenes to get to where we are today and confirmation that projects can now progress is testament to the commitment and vision of the Town Deal Boards."