A project aiming to build a state-of-the-art skatepark in St Ives has been boosted with £450,000 from the government’s Town Fund.

The St Ives Skatepark Project is the first in the town to receive money that has been provided by the government.

The Accelerated Towns Fund money was announced by the government at the beginning of July, with St Ives now being offered up to £500,000 for projects designed to boost the town's economy.

St Ives Town Deal is hoping to pick up a total of £25 million with a full investment plan going to government later this year.

Sarah Stevens, chairman of the St Ives Town Deal Board, said: “The skatepark was chosen because it had already been submitted to the town deal board as an expression of interest via the website and was already a well-developed project.

“The Skatepark Group have also already raised a considerable amount of money which will be used to match the government grant and make the new skatepark even more fabulous.

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"It’s a community aspiration and been talked about for years and it will bring real and significant benefits to this residential area of town, where further projects are being planned for local community benefit.

“The town deal board in St Ives is working hard to engage the community and gather all ideas that will enhance and improve the town and lots of ideas have been pouring in. The skate park was quick to recognise the potential of the new funding and was an early applicant for funding.”

Senara Wilson Hodges, from The Skate Park Project, said: “We are over the moon that the community and St Ives Town Deal have been able to support us in this way.

“We have worked very hard to raise funds in many ways and this will allow us to now really get going and make this happen for the young people of the area.

"Getting out in the fresh air and doing activity is key to the social and mental growth of individuals. The children we see at the skate park get physical exercise, make friends, build confidence and have great fun with us and they are all so excited about what’s coming in the future.”

St Ives is one of four towns in Cornwall – along with Truro, Camborne and Penzance – which have been chosen to bid for money from the Towns Fund.