New plans have been revealed for a covered event space at Helston’s Coronation Park, complete with pavilion and ticket office.
It is the latest vision from the South Kerrier Alliance Community Interest Company (SKA), which has a 99-year lease to run the park, which was established in 1912 to commemorate the coronation of King George V.
Now, as the nation approaches the coronation of King Charles III, the SKA group hopes to develop the facilities further to provide an all-weather space for events and activities.
The proposal is for a curved timber pavilion structure on the stretch of paving between the lake and skate park.
This could be covered with canvas to provide shelter for markets, theatre performances and other community events, but also be removed as necessary so that the pavilion does not become an area of antisocial behaviour when not in use.
It is detailed in a planning application submitted to Cornwall Council by SKA, with designs from landscape architects and designers Mei Loci.
The proposal also includes a small timber manager’s office within the existing Old Cattle Market car park, which could double up as a ticket office for events.
The application from SKA states: “Over recent years we have staged several successful events (plays, concerts, workshops) in the park. This has proven the economic viability of an events programme ie. the ability, with the support of park traders such as the café and cycle hire plus community groups, to deliver a self-funded programme.
“However, we do not have the facilities to regularise these activities and build on the improvements achieved to date. It is therefore proposed to construct a permanent structure, designed from timber to be in keeping with the park’s aesthetics, which could be covered as an all-weather activities, events space and performance area for an increased number of events and activities.
“It would also serve as an inclement weather venue and area for stalls, increasing opportunities for microbusinesses and expansion of the Helston Farmers’ Market.
“Additionally it will provide outdoor sheltered seating allowing additional trading area for the park café through the less clement months.”
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The group said it was willing to invest in an additional employee who would act as coordinator for all activities within Coronation Park, as well as manage the new venue.
“To manage the new covered space and coordinate activities throughout the park, a park manager’s office will be installed. This will allow South Kerrier Alliance staff to better supervise the park and liaise more closely with the public.
“It will also act as a base for youth support workers and liaison with local PCSOs,” added SKA.
The aim of the project is to increase footfall both to the park and also the town centre, with SKA saying it was keen for the community to have a say in work carried out there, with the sketches and designs a general indication of what a craftsperson would work to create.
“An important part of the ethos for Coronation Park is to ensure that the community is involved in all of the improvement work undertaken. Recent developments such as the planting of a wild flower meadow and creating the ‘Incredible Edible’ produce garden have proved very successful in engaging the community and maintaining their involvement and ownership of the space.
“South Kerrier Alliance believe that it is important to include this approach in this project. The intention is to allocate a sum within the project budget to commission a local craftsperson to create a backdrop to the area which adds interest, involves the community and links with the aesthetic of the park.
“One of Helston’s key objectives is to attract footfall to Helston town centre and rekindle the vitality of the town.
“As part of a Sustainable Connectivity project (included within Helston’s Levelling Up Fund bid), the links between Coronation Park and the town centre will be enhanced with improved road crossings, cycle links, new bus stops and signage. This will enable the town centre to benefit from the number of visitors attracted by Coronation Park.
“It will also encourage local people to walk and cycle to the park via the town centre, providing economic opportunity for town centre traders. It is therefore important that Coronation Park continues to attract visitors and increase the number of people using the town centre, taking advantage of improved links to deliver increased footfall.”
The plans can be viewed on Cornwall Council's planning portal via reference PA23/02459.
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