Cornwall Council has confirmed that development deal expected to include a new supermarket and cinema adjoining Carn Brea leisure centre has collapsed.

The council’s cabinet originally agreed in November 2013 to go ahead with the sale of part of the Carn Brea site to release funds to refurbish the leisure centre.

The sale price would also have paid for the re-location of the running track from the site to Redruth school.

This decision was dependent on a sale to the appointed developer, Salmon Harvester properties. In turn, Salmon Harvester based their bid on securing a supermarket tenant for its scheme.

ASDA had been in negotiation with Salmon Harvester but has recently reviewed their strategy in common with many other supermarkets and have now confirmed that they no longer wish to proceed. This now makes the sale unviable.

Alex Folkes, the council’s cabinet member for finance and resources, said “We have seen several other examples of supermarkets changing their strategies recently, and unfortunately the Carn Brea site is no different. We will continue to monitor the market and whilst not expectant of an early solution the council will continue to support ideas that help a trust with further investment in the area ”.

Rorie Henderson, from Salmon Harvester, said: “We recognise that now ASDA are no longer able to proceed we cannot provide the capital receipt that the Council and Leisure Trust require to facilitate the refurbishment and relocation of the running track. This is disappointing but we retain interest in the site and may return with fresh proposals if the market alters in the future”.

Colin Rowe, chairman of Carn Brea Leisure Centre Trust, said: “The Trustees are naturally disappointed that after so much time and effort from those involved, this exciting opportunity for the Camborne, Pool, Illogan and Redruth community will not be delivered at this stage. Although this particular scheme will not go ahead, we look forward to working with Cornwall Council to explore alternative development options going forwards. In the meantime, it is very much business as usual at Carn Brea Leisure Centre.”