Trustees and staff of The Poly in Falmouth are celebrating this week after their Crowdfunding appeal to raise £8,000 in just eight weeks was successful thanks to almost 200 pledges from supporters.

The £8,125 raised will go towards the match funding needed to unlock a £30,000 grant which will enable the trustees to embark on an ambitious project to transform the building.

However, with the corporate donations which have been coming in over the past couple of months added to the Crowdfunding money, the building work to transform the office, library and bar has now started. The Poly will be providing regular updates on the building work.

Sarah Hertzog, trustee and lead fundraiser said: "We have been overwhelmed at the generosity that everyone has shown. It’s clear that there is a lot of love for The Poly and that people wish to see it develop.”

Judith Hann, CEO, added: “I am most heartened by the sheer numbers of people who donated. I have spoken to lots of individuals and their support has meant a huge amount to the team here.

"Now we are spending this week and next organising the rewards for those who supported the campaign. We can’t wait to see pictures of people using their Poly mugs and tote bags.”

The first phase of the transformation project includes reinstating the library, which is currently used as an office and storage space, to its original form, and improving the bar area. The library could then be used as a meeting room, a performance space or to host talks and be made available to the public for children's parties or other gatherings.

Looking ahead, Judith is appealing for suggestions on how to best use that space. “We are looking for local musicians, poets, comics and film goers to help us develop the activities in the refurbished library and bar," she said.

"Seating 40 to 50, it will be the perfect size for smaller events – so if people have a good idea for how to use it, we would love to hear from them.”

Ruth Bedingham, trustee and vice chair, concluded: “We really didn’t know how the campaign would go, but this success has bolstered our development plans no end."