Penryn Methodist Church could be transformed into a new major creative space after the new owner was given more than half a million pounds in grants.

Grays Wharf, a Penryn-based non-profit arts organisation, is the new owner of the Penryn Methodist Church and School Room, with plans to transform it into a new art centre for the region.

The vision is for a major new creative space for Penryn and the wider region, with art exhibitions and creative activities coming together in a place where people will feel welcome, valued and inspired.

The project is being funded with a £494,000 investment from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Culture and Heritage-led Regeneration and Skills programme, which is managed by Cornwall Council and funded by the UK Government though the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF), a registered charity promoting the conservation and sustainable re use of historic buildings for the benefit of communities, has also awarded the project £37,000.

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy said: “It is heartening to see that this award from the Shared Prosperity Fund will be put to such innovative use and help secure and transform this beautiful heritage building for the benefit of the community.

“We want to encourage initiatives such as this that will enable residents to get involved in producing and enjoying the arts, and all the benefits that brings for health and wellbeing, as well as bringing forward opportunities for skills training, right in the centre of their town.

“All this in a building that means so much to so many residents that will now be preserved and given a new lease of life as it plays its part in regenerating our places and communities.”

Grays Wharf gained local support for their plans, including from Penryn Town Council, and many local individuals and organisations before submitting their successful bid for the historic buildings.

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The School Room will be tackled first, with repairs to the roof and windows needed. The team can then get on with re-purposing it to provide a community art room and artist studios.

The art room will support creativity for health and well-being as well as offering a range of courses, skills training and other opportunities for the benefit of local people.

The development will include appropriate conservation repairs and renovations to the Grade II Listed buildings and will meet ambitious environmental standards. The team is actively fundraising for this ongoing development.

Further funding will be sought for the next phase of the project: to convert the church into an accessible, welcoming and high-quality contemporary art gallery showcasing work by local, national and international artists. Until then, a range of creative ‘meanwhile’ projects will take place in the church.