The transformational Grylls Monument public realm scheme in Helston which is restoring and enhancing the area, is now well-advanced.

The idea of the work is to enable the areas around the monument them to realise their full potential as civic, community and leisure space for the benefit of the town centre economy and environment.

The principal designers are landscape architects MeiLoci, based in Truro, who have just produced a revised visualisation of the scheme, which is due for completion at the beginning of November in time for the Remembrance Parade.

The scheme is complementary to the restoration of the iconic monument itself, which was completed earlier this year, supported by grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Cory Environmental Trust and Cornwall Heritage Trust.

To date significant progress has been made with some of the key features of the scheme including the following:

* Grylls Monument setting – the old Monument toilets which had defective drains and were expensive to run have been demolished, restoring the integrity and symmetry of the original setting, improving visibility between the bowling green and Coinagehall Street and opening up westward views to the countryside.

Landscaping of the cleared site is in progress and will ultimately include two new benches screened from the adjacent highway with a hedge, a combined notice, map and interpretation board, a ‘talking post’ for audio heritage information and an outdoor power supply for use in conjunction with markets and other events. This will also power new architectural lighting for the monument and the Christmas lights. A purpose-made socket has been installed for the Christmas tree. Cornish granite edging kerbs are now being placed marking the extent of the new pedestrian area in front of the monument that will be used for the annual remembrance service and other events.

* Remembrance Garden – the Remembrance Gardens have been re-landscaped using natural granite pavings and the levels have been reduced to enable access for all.

* Monument Walk landscaping – preparatory work has been undertaken towards creating an enhanced and locally distinctive public area adjacent to the bowling club pavilion with improved surfacing, lighting, CCTV surveillance, bespoke benches and planting. A slate carving reflecting the heritage of the site is proposed as a separate project following on from the landscaping scheme and this will help to make the scheme locally distinctive. The remainder of the walk will be improved with new surfacing, additional benches of traditional design and new litter bins. The town council has applied for additional funding from Cornwall Council’s devolution funding to contribute towards the cost of a new shelter which will be located in the north-west corner on the site of a previous shelter, and this will improve the all-year-round appeal of the area.

* New public toilet and store – construction of the new public toilet and store, designed by Helston-based 3HW Architecture and Design is progressing well, with walls built and roof trusses, felt and battens in place. The roof is due to be completed in Cornish slate this week. The new structure will provide a modern unisex/disabled toilet that will be economical to operate and facilities will include audio instructions for visually impaired users. The adjacent store will provide accommodation for sundry supplies and the power and water supplies that will facilitate use of the enhanced public areas for markets and other events.

The main contractors for the scheme are Cormac Contracting Ltd and the principle sub-contractors are KPK Builders Ltd, based at Burncoose Nursery, Gwennap.

Negotiations are now proceeding with the current owners, Cornwall Council, for transference of the freehold title of the project site to Helston Town Council. This will help to ensure that the improved public areas are well-maintained in future.

The council has developed the project in close collaboration with Helston Bowling Club, which has enabled part of the club’s leased area to be used for construction of the new toilet and store. During the site works the council has been able to facilitate infrastructure improvements (water and gas supplies and foul and surface water drainage) to the pavilion which the club hopes will lead on to more significant improvements to the building subject to securing additional funding.

The project is due to be completed by November 4, in time for the remembrance ceremony.