Converting part of Porthleven’s clock tower building into a holiday let could be one way of ensuring the iconic landmark is preserved for future generations.

This was the suggestion raised at last night’s meeting of the town council, when members were read a report from a committee set up to look at the future of the Bickford Smith Institute, which is in need of extensive restoration.

It follows a public open day held there in March, when visitors were asked to complete a questionnaire on different ways the building could be used.

As a result of that questionnaire, the working party is recommending the institute is used primarily for the community, rather than a commercial enterprise.

A draft proposal has been drawn up that would see the main body of the institute, currently used as a snooker hall, become a large ‘community space’ of an, as yet, undetermined nature.

To one side there would be an office for the town council clerk, above which would be a meeting room for the council, on a mezzanine level, which could then be used by the public at other times.

Perhaps more controversial is the suggestion of how to fund this, however.

The working party is recommending converting the old Caretakers Cottage, where the town council and clerk are currently based, to the side of the clock tower, into a holiday cottage.

The council office would become a lounge and dining area, with the current toilet extended into a kitchen and the possibility of the paved area outside become a parking space.

Upstairs the clerk’s office would become a bedroom, with a second bedroom made out of a second office next to the clock tower.

The income produced from this would then support the ongoing upkeep of the institute, with any excess being set aside for community projects, it is suggested.

In its report the working party states: “This would therefore allow the Bickford Smith Institute to be financially viable and keep the main building for the community, enabling the space to have multiple uses in line with the preferences expressed by the public in the recent consultation.”

The findings of the questionnaire revealed that a library, museum, heritage centre or community centre were the most popular choices for how people would like to see the building used.

At the other end of the scale, the vast majority of people did not want to see the building become a guest house or hotel.

It was this that was a source of concern for some members of the council when they received the report last night.

Deputy mayor Andy Wallis said: “I’m just slightly worried that holiday lets are very controversial in Porthleven.

“There was no mention of a holiday let [in the questionnaire] and a hotel or guest house was the least interest for people.”

However, he “understood the logic” behind the suggestion and the need to find a source of income from somewhere, adding: “You’re talking over £800,000 potentially to renovate this. That’s going to be very difficult to get in grants, you might need to take out a loan.

“I just think more thought and more public consultation needs to go into the holiday let.”

Councillor Sally-Ann Nieuwoudt suggested whether, instead of a holiday let, it could be converted into a permanent rental home for a local family.

Councillor Alan Jorgensen pointed out that it was “still early days,” adding: “A sustainable business model will be a prerequisite of any grant application.

“There should be a loan involved, it’s essential there’s an income generated by this building to ensure a significant amount of the building is available for community use – not only for our generation but for the next generation as well.”

He described the project as a whole as “incredibly positive for the community of Porthleven.”

The working party also states that the consultation showed there was a call for a snooker club in Porthleven.

The report adds: “The working party recommends that consideration be given to the snooker club in order to arrive at an amicable solution, with the possibility of relocation being discussed, and further meetings and consultation will be undertaken.”

Members of the snooker club were invited to last night’s meeting but did not attend, although mayor Barbara Powell said another meeting would be held with club members.

Mr Wallis said he was concerned about the relocation of the snooker tables, adding: “I’m trying to work out where that would go in Porthleven. My understanding was the snooker club would be part of the solution, with one table going forward.

“It’s a longstanding snooker club. If there’s relocation and no building, what happens to it?

“I’d like to see a more solid future for the snooker club, perhaps in the large space. It’s perhaps a bit much to put two tables, but one.”

A second consultation is already being planned, with the working party asking to “ring fence” £3,000 to spend on this, including publicity, initial surveys and professional guidance.

This matter will be discussed at the July meeting of the town council.