Isis Gardens in Hayle was officially reopened last week after being restored to their previous glory through a major programme of work.

The gardens were reopened by John Coombe, Cornwall Council member for Hayle South, and Pauline Marks, president of the RNLI Hayle.

Following the gardens being closed and used by both Network Rail, as part of a £7m project to reinstate the viaduct decking, and Bowmer & Kirkland, the developers for the neighbouring Asda supermarket, the gardens have been restored back to an important green space for Hayle, funded by the two companies.

Cornwall Council contractors CORMAC began works in May, including the replanting of the gardens with subtropical species as well as the laying of a new granite walkway, walling and provision of seating areas.

The plants were sourced locally from Trevena Cross nurseries, Hayle Plants and CORMAC’s in-house gardening team. CORMAC were assisted in the planting by volunteers from several organisations and community groups including the Prince’s Trust, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, Air Cadets, Hayle in Bloom and volunteers from Asda.

Mr Coombe said: “The work on the Isis Gardens is good news for all who visit the Foundry Square area of our town together with the RNLI and Hayle In Bloom.

“I hope this area will blossom for many years to come and everybody will be able to enjoy the new garden.”

Joyce Duffin, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for housing and environment, said: “This is an important civic space for the community and visitors to Hayle and it is great news that works are underway to restore the garden to its former glory.”

Nick Farrar, mayor of Hayle, said: “The garden now provides a wonderful gateway to Hayle and compliments the rest of the gardens in the town. It is a wonderful, tranquil memorial to the crews of the Isis lifeboat.”

The Isis Gardens are dedicated to the RNLI and were named after the first lifeboat in Hayle which was launched in 1866. Isis carried out eleven rescues saving fifty lives during her twenty-one years of service. The gardens are home to the RNLI flag in Hayle which was raised by Phil Drew, chairman of RNLI Hayle, during the opening celebrations.

Pauline Marks, president of RNLI Hayle, said: “The garden is looking fantastic and is a credit to the great effort put in by everyone to make it happen. I’m sure everyone in the town will really appreciate it.”

Nigel Powell, chairman of Hayle in Bloom, said: “I can’t praise the work enough, the gardens are looking excellent and it was a great opportunity for Hayle in Bloom to be involved in shaping the local gardens to promote the town as well as its people, council and local shops.”