Helston community centre cash request to help fund 'cultural quarter'

7:00am Wednesday 21st November 2012 in Cornwall

The trust behind plans to renovate the former community centre on Penrose Road have asked Helston town council to use cash from the sale to help create a ‘Cultural Quarter’

In August this year the building was purchased by two benefactors, Karen Townshend and Nicholas Serota, director of Tate, to “ensure that the building could continue to provide public benefit”.

Teresa Gleadowe and Karen Townshend from Cornubian Arts and Science Trust (CAST), set up to manage the building, made the request for help and cash at the town council meeting on Thursday, November 15.

Teresa spoke about plans for the future use of the building as artists’ studios, with the artists required to offer ‘public benefit’ through open studios, and mentoring as well providing a café and community space.

Calling the project “the most amazing opportunity for Helston” the trustees are asking that, as a proportion of the money raised from the sale of the building is to be used for purposes close to those of the original gift of land, the town council should delve deep and help financially.

They say that the new charity, CAST meets this remit as it aims to “educate in and promote the arts and sciences for the public benefit and to further the development of the public appreciation of the arts and sciences”. Councillors also heard that the Passmore Edwards building is in very poor condition after a “long history of neglect and long-term ingress of water” and that it had deteriorated during the period that it was boarded up, with evidence of both wet and dry rot.

In the last week the trustees have also learned that one of the roofs is structurally unsound.Teresa Gleadowe, chair of CAST said: “We remain hopeful that we can attract funding for a capital scheme to renovate the building. The town council's role in this campaign is crucial and we very much hope that some of the money spent on the purchase of the building can be ploughed back into repairing the building.

“We believe that the institute can bring substantial educational benefits and make a significant contribution to the revitalisation of the central area of Helston. In partnership with the Folk Museum, we believe that it can create a ‘Cultural Quarter’ that will contribute to the regeneration of the town.”

She added that the town council had been asked to show their support for the initiative by inviting a funding application from the trustees of CAST to provide seed money and match funding. This will enable the trustees to move forward with repairs and renovation of the building.Karen Townshend spoke of the trustees' desire to reserve the largest room in the Institute for community activities and said she would love to see Hal-an-Tow rehearsals return to the building.She added that the CAST team had experience of managing buildings and artists’ studios, as well as organising arts events, with the trustees being “nationally and internationally known and respected”.The town council said they could not discuss the Institute building at 3 Penrose Road as it was not on the agenda for that meeting, with cash from the sale already ‘ring fenced’. The council decided to consider it fully at a meeting next month.

After the meeting Teresa Gleadowe stressed that any successful fundraising needs seed money and has to demonstrate local support. She said she hoped that the town council would recognise that money from the sale of 3 Penrose Road could be used by arts and educational organisations in Helston to attract grant-funding and multiply the benefits to the town.

Comments(47)

Charlotes says...
8:46pm Wed 21 Nov 12

Am I missing something from this story The Packet hasn't published ??

These very wealthy titled people bought the building that used to be the old community centre, these people described as “nationally and internationally known and respected”.

They now find out that "the building is in very poor condition after a “long history of neglect and long-term ingress of water” .

From that I reckon they didnt even bother to have a proper survey.

And now they want their money back.

You really couldnt make it up.

Knowing how free and careless Helston council are with spending our money, I expect they will give it back.

I hope at least some of councillors stand up and say NO.

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Three Word Wonder says...
11:03am Thu 22 Nov 12

Originally provided by Passmore Edwards as an Art & Science School, and later extended to become a County Secondary School, the building had been in use as a Community Centre since the mid 70s, but it was not until recently that the Town Council unearthed a condition to the original lease for the land on which the building stands, which prevented its use other than for specific educational purposes. They declined to extend the lease to the tenants, the Helston & District Community Association, dismissing their claim that the current activities at the Centre met the ancient legal restrictions, and chose instead to order the many user groups to vacate the building and offer it for sale at auction, potentially for conversion to flats. The Council also merely “noted” an invitation by Centennial organiser Dean Evans to contribute to the Centenary events, declining to take part in any way.

In 1899, when Passmore Edwards opened the building he said that the building was “in the broadest sense public property” and praised the Helston Corporation, the Town Council’s predecessor, for taking responsibility for the school and promising to maintain it for the good of the people of Helston “for all time”. He called it Corporation Socialism, and “the more of it there was, the better”. In 2009 the former Mayor, Niall Devenish, was reported to have said that the Council had a responsibility to safeguard public assets. The condition of the building today suggests that this has not been the case.

Therefore,the Trust IS entitled to request some assistance from Helston Town Council in the renovation of this asset,since it was the Council who allowed it to decay

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Gill Zella Martin says...
12:33pm Thu 22 Nov 12

What would have happened if the building had been sold to someone else?

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meerkats says...
3:14pm Thu 22 Nov 12

Surely they were aware of these problems before they purchased it. As Charlotes has already said perhaps they didn,t bother to have a proper survey. Its one step forward and two steps back at the minute.

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meerkats says...
3:14pm Thu 22 Nov 12

Surely they were aware of these problems before they purchased it. As Charlotes has already said perhaps they didn,t bother to have a proper survey. Its one step forward and two steps back at the minute.

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Three Word Wonder says...
7:52pm Thu 22 Nov 12

Most residents of Helston aren't bothered with Passmore Edwards' legacy, and do not deserve to have the building conserved as it is now intended

Helston Town Council let the building decay and is culpable and neglectful,and should assist in the renovation.

When Passmore Edwards was alive,he stated that he wished he had concentrated more on London projects than his many unappreciated Cornish buildings

Over 100 years later,he may be thinking the same.

What would you,the burghers of Helston,and the perpetual scribes contributing to helstonpacket.co.uk do with 3 Penrose Road ? Yes,that's correct. Sell it to rich benefactors,and let them keep it for themselves !

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Three Word Wonder says...
8:46pm Thu 22 Nov 12

gill, that's the point, it wasn't sold to someone else...

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Charlotes says...
12:09pm Fri 23 Nov 12

Why is it that rich people always expect the poor people (ratepayers) to bail them out.

Anything sold at auction is sold "as is". Its your responsibility to check out BEFOREHAND what you are buying.

And why on earth would these people think just because it sold at auction for £165000 a year ago its still worth that amount now after a year of sitting empty. Surely to God you took a good look at the building and had a proper survey done.

It looks as if the town council did absolutely the right thing by the ratepayers and accepted your offer as soon as they could.

Do you seriously think any self respecting builder would have spent that money buying quite frankly a rubbish building, and then go back and say can I please have my money back because I didnt look properly.

Welcome to the real world rich people. Its very hard I can assure you.

And finally, has anyone asked the people of Helston if they actually want a ‘Cultural Quarter’ that will contribute to the regeneration of the town.”

I think most people would rather have the Town looking cleaner, the pavements repaired, the kennels repaired, the roads repaired, the toilets kept open and lunatics not speeding up Cross street as shortcut to the industrial estate.

And sorry Gill, Three Word Wonders is correct. It wasnt sold to anyone else. It rather like the football commentator "If it had been in the net, it would have been a goal".

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ronedgcumbe says...
12:56pm Fri 23 Nov 12

I agree, well said Charlotes. Cultural is not the first thing to spring to mind when I think of Helston. If this is going to cost the town money I am certainly against.

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ronedgcumbe says...
12:57pm Fri 23 Nov 12

I agree, well said Charlotes. Cultural is not the first thing to spring to mind when I think of Helston. If this is going to cost the town money I am certainly against.

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ronedgcumbe says...
12:58pm Fri 23 Nov 12

I agree, well said Charlotes. Cultural is not the first thing to spring to mind when I think of Helston. If this is going to cost the town money I am certainly against.

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Three Word Wonder says...
2:19pm Fri 23 Nov 12

more late entries for the branding logo


Ron

Culture ? Not here ?


Charlotes

Philanthropy ? No thanks



Mr. Passmore Edwards said at the Grand Opening of the building that he was pleased that he had responded to the wishes of the people of Helston by erecting in the town Science and Art Schools, because the building in the broadest sense was public property. It was somewhat remarkable that Liskeard was the only town in Cornwall, and as far as he knew, in the kingdom, that had accepted and adopted and taken under its control a hospital as municipal property, and now the Corporation of Helston had followed suit by accepting and adopting Science and Art Schools, AND THEREBY CONTRACTED AN OBLIGATION TO MAINTAIN THEM FOR THE PUBLIC ADVANTAGE By so doing, Liskeard and Helston had presented illustrations of civic wisdom and courage.

My view is that wealthy people have purchased this building with the intent to restore it for the public good,and are making a reasonable request to the Town Council to assist towards its restoration.Since the Town Council allowed the building to rot and given the long-standing obligation as outlined above,then the Town Council should do its Civil Duty,and assist.

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Three Word Wonder says...
2:23pm Fri 23 Nov 12

freudian slip

civil/civic

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Charlotes says...
6:18pm Fri 23 Nov 12

The town council only has our money to spend, and are scraping around to find the money to keep the toilets open.

Did anyone actually ask the people of Helston if they wanted a cultural quarter. And anyway, whats wrong with the Epworth Hall. They are always putting on outstanding events.

Sorry, I do not want incomers telling me what helston council should be spending their money on, or indeed what Helston needs. Take a walk around town and you can see exactly what it need. Clean streets for a start.

If Mr Passmore had left enough money to maintain his building, then fine. But he didnt. So it falls on the poor old taxpayer agin. No thanks. It should have been turned into cheap flats so the youngsters in this town have somewhere to live.

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Gill Zella Martin says...
6:42pm Fri 23 Nov 12

When I said what would have happened if it had been sold to someone else, I actually meant, if it had been sold to someone else I doubt very much they would be asking the council for money.

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Gill Zella Martin says...
7:08pm Fri 23 Nov 12

If the council left the building to rot, as claimed, then presumably it was because they could not afford to do otherwise, therefore where exactly will the money come from now. It is all very well saying they should assist, well I think they should keep toilets open, clean up places/ signage,install additional signage, sort out repairs for Coronation boating lake etc.

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meerkats says...
7:38pm Fri 23 Nov 12

Having read all the comments ,i do think that the town council should prioritise .ie toilets, clean up, weeding etc ,this will attract more people in rather than the cultural side of things. Also think the buyers should have looked into the present state of the building more ,before purchasing it.

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meerkats says...
7:38pm Fri 23 Nov 12

Having read all the comments ,i do think that the town council should prioritise .ie toilets, clean up, weeding etc ,this will attract more people in rather than the cultural side of things. Also think the buyers should have looked into the present state of the building more ,before purchasing it.

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molesworth says...
11:45pm Fri 23 Nov 12

It's so true : 'property owns you'. I know from experience having owned some property in the past.
Anyway, let's talk about this artists' colony that's being suggested. They've got one in old Redruth Grammar School and the empty studio spaces stand testimony to the pain of driving in from West Penwith or Newquay to do your art rather stay at home and do your thing. Is Helston teeming with artists hungry for studio space? I don't know. But I doubt it.

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Three Word Wonder says...
12:54am Sat 24 Nov 12

Why do philanthropists,anci
ent and modern bother,when there are so many negative people.?

Luckily,the purchasers are positive,successful people,and will battle against the odds,and create a building that more visitors than disinterested locals will support

Good luck to them,and to the rest of you,I hope you continue to enjoy Jeremy Kyle on daytime TV !

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ronedgcumbe says...
9:19am Sat 24 Nov 12

I do hope that not even Helston town council would be silly enough to invest the towns money in a building that took them years to off load. Lets hope they don't waste there time with this and finally do something to help the town center.

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Gill Zella Martin says...
11:16am Sat 24 Nov 12

I don't watch daytime tv, what a peculiar assumption to make . It is not a case of all locals being disinterested, it is a case of living with reality and the current Helston Town Council and additionally Cornwall Council financial restraints. Helston town council need to get their priorities right and consider those that actually live in Helston and pay the council tax for Helston. There are lots of schemes/projects that could be invested in for Helston, unfortunately this is unrealistic for all. Is anyone else going to help finance a new boiler for the Guildhall. Coronation Parks lake requires substantial investment for repairs.

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meerkats says...
2:15pm Sat 24 Nov 12

Three Word Wonder wrote:
Why do philanthropists,anci

ent and modern bother,when there are so many negative people.?

Luckily,the purchasers are positive,successful people,and will battle against the odds,and create a building that more visitors than disinterested locals will support

Good luck to them,and to the rest of you,I hope you continue to enjoy Jeremy Kyle on daytime TV !
Jeremy Kyle ~ who? you obviously know more about daytime tv than me. I agree with Gill that the money could be better spent elsewhere. As Ron has already said. it took years for the town council to offload the building..

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Bess Trecoa says...
2:37pm Sat 24 Nov 12

I don't particularly want Helston to become like St Ives, Helston is unique and the car parks are not extortionate like at St Ives. I doubt visitors to the 'cultural corner' will spend much in the town.

It would be much better to spend money on a place that provides apprenticeships for young people to help enable to get them into the work place. Or convert the building into affordable housing.

If some people think some of us are negative just because we don't want Helston council wasting money on a building they clearly didn't want and just because we don't agree with using tax payers money for something which will probably only benefit those that can afford it, then that is too bad, how about they do what many other people do and fund raise for themselves with the help of those people that will eventually use the building. Did anyone actually bother to ask if residents wanted this adaptation of the building at the tax payers expense.

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meerkats says...
2:58pm Sat 24 Nov 12

The building could be put to a lot of good use,rather than a culture /art centre. Sure many artists would go to Porthleven, St Ives and Falmouth to name but a few places. Affordable housing would be a much better idea and more of a benefit to the town

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Three Word Wonder says...
6:48pm Sat 24 Nov 12

Jeremy Kyle

Cultural Ambassador of the Masses lol

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Gill Zella Martin says...
8:14pm Sat 24 Nov 12

Back to my first post,- what would have happened if it had been bought by someone else.- I doubt we would have any debate because I doubt any other purchaser would have subsequently asked for financial investment afterwards from the council. If private individuals want to do something/anything for the community then good, but do not expect everyone to be grateful for something they may not have been consulted over or may not even want, otherwise it is a little like in the past with the gentry and the peasants.

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Soapbox Susan says...
9:24pm Sat 24 Nov 12

Gill Martin, you are so correct.

Those that wish to do community work, good luck to you.

Those that assume because they are titled and rich then can tell the peasants what they want, and then expect them to pay for it can get stuffed. Nobody asked me if I wanted a Cultural Quarter. If I was asked, I would have said NO, I want the toilets kept open and the rubbish and weeds cleared up in the streets.

I do hope the council do not give away any of the money I have to pay every month as rates. Lets have the council doing whats best for Helston, not any masonic friends some councillors have and boast about.

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ronedgcumbe says...
9:46am Sun 25 Nov 12

I just hope that in 6 months good people stand for election and we get a town council that can bring the town back to its best.

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Three Word Wonder says...
1:32pm Sun 25 Nov 12

I will watch with interest over the coming months and years how the Director of Tate buys a share in a dilapidated, iconic building in Helston, and transforms it into a successful establishment for the education in and promotion of the arts and sciences for the public benefit, and to further the development of the public appreciation of the arts and sciences.

And all this with no assistance from the local council, or support from local residents.

Of course,that's how it should be. Why would anyone help with such a project,when they've got all the money anyway ?

And when the project is open and a success, it will be somewhere to take your relatives and friends when they come to visit lol

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Gill Zella Martin says...
2:13pm Sun 25 Nov 12

When my friends and relatives visit, the last place they would want to visit is a cultural quarter such as the proposed Helston one. If they were so inclined, they would visit one closer to home. They would rather visit Helston museum and the beach and walk the cliff tops. There are art places all over the country, however Cornwall is unique in its coastline and landscape and mining heritage.



Good luck to those behind the project if that is what they want to do, however, why should Helston town council part with money for this project when they are struggling to finance basics for the town such as toilets. Surely this request for money would have been best discussed with the town council prior to purchase of the building not afterwards. If it was not known that the money would be needed until after the purchase then someone obviously did not do the relevant assessment.

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Three Word Wonder says...
2:37pm Sun 25 Nov 12

It's fairly obvious to me that the new owners would be absolutely aware of the state of the building,and could be just testing the water to see what reaction they receive regarding the legacy and original obligation of maintenance

If you know the background of the Tate's Director, then you would be aware of many similar projects on a much grander scale for which he has a proven lifetime of success.

Of course I understand the only reason Helston attracts visitors is its lovely toilets and clean streets, but an Art Gallery,Museums,Cafe
s, are well known for attracting extra numbers into Town Centres which are dying on their feet

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Gill Zella Martin says...
3:14pm Sun 25 Nov 12

I thought any original obligations were with the old Helston Corporation which no longer exists as we now have town councils. Is it not a bit like saying Kerrier district council are responsible for something although they no longer exist and it is Cornwall Council.

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Gill Zella Martin says...
3:44pm Sun 25 Nov 12

Incidentally, I am not against the project I am only saying as far as town council financial input is concerned, if they cannot afford something then they cannot do it/have it. They need to get their priorities right. I feel Coronation Park lake repairs should be a priority. The park attracts many visitors to the town. This may come under Cornwall Council's responsibility but it could be argued that Helston Town Council could contribute to that.

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meerkats says...
4:31pm Sun 25 Nov 12

I am sure more visitors to the town and locals alike,would enjoy a trip to the boating lake and park rather than an Art Gallery.Helston already has plenty of cafes and a museum .

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molesworth says...
11:16pm Sun 25 Nov 12

Depends on the art in the gallery I think. You can bet it'll be sub standard conceptual art because that's what's fashionable. Why not something radical like making Helston a centre for sculpture? Grab a gap in the market. Give visitors a reason to come. Maybe combining public toilets with art? Pee whilst appreciating art. Just an idea...

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Three Word Wonder says...
7:29am Mon 26 Nov 12

but to say 'we wont be going' as a visitor to the area because there is an Art Gallery in Hastings or Newcastle where we live is just crass

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Three Word Wonder says...
10:15am Mon 26 Nov 12

Positive people welcome

another three words

To recap:

As 'locals' we want the council to concentrate on providing the necessary services like clean streets,toilets,runn
ing repairs to the lake,weeding etc

As 'locals' we want 'incomers' to buy a derelict,neglected building and do something with it

As 'locals' we want not one penny of our money to contribute towards the project because everyones destitute.

As 'locals' we're not interested in Art or Science because everywhere else has one of those buildings

And when the project is complete and up and running,like many other projects the members of C.A.S.T. have successfully been involved with over many years, as 'locals' what we will want to do is come into Town to use a nice clean toilet, followed by a walk on the cliffs

lol

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Three Word Wonder says...
10:16am Mon 26 Nov 12

Positive people welcome

another three words

To recap:

As 'locals' we want the council to concentrate on providing the necessary services like clean streets,toilets,runn
ing repairs to the lake,weeding etc

As 'locals' we want 'incomers' to buy a derelict,neglected building and do something with it

As 'locals' we want not one penny of our money to contribute towards the project because we're all destitute.

As 'locals' we're not interested in Art or Science because everywhere else has one of those buildings

And when the project is complete and up and running,like many other projects the members of C.A.S.T. have successfully been involved with over many years, as 'locals' what we will want to do is come into Town to use a nice clean toilet, followed by a walk on the cliffs

lol

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Gill Zella Martin says...
10:19am Mon 26 Nov 12

I was referring to my personal visitors and as money is limited they would choose to do the things they do not do at home, such as go to the beach, visit tin mines etc, plus if time is limited or if they have small children they do not choose to go to an art gallery. You generalised about people's visitors and I just stated what my personal visitors would or would not do.

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Gill Zella Martin says...
10:41am Mon 26 Nov 12

Three Word Wonder wrote:
Positive people welcome

another three words

To recap:

As 'locals' we want the council to concentrate on providing the necessary services like clean streets,toilets,runn

ing repairs to the lake,weeding etc

As 'locals' we want 'incomers' to buy a derelict,neglected building and do something with it

As 'locals' we want not one penny of our money to contribute towards the project because we're all destitute.

As 'locals' we're not interested in Art or Science because everywhere else has one of those buildings

And when the project is complete and up and running,like many other projects the members of C.A.S.T. have successfully been involved with over many years, as 'locals' what we will want to do is come into Town to use a nice clean toilet, followed by a walk on the cliffs

lol
As a local, no I do not particularly want incomers to buy a derelict neglected building and do something with it.

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Gill Zella Martin says...
10:57am Mon 26 Nov 12

Helston museum could do with some financial support.

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Three Word Wonder says...
11:15am Mon 26 Nov 12

That's what the Town Council did with 3 Penrose Road.

Neglect.Neglect.Negl
ect

The Town Council effectively evicted the Community Centre from the building on the basis that the original conveyance of the land to the Corporation was for Technical Education purposes and, according to the Trustees, the Helston Town Council, required that one third of the building be used for "Science" purposes. Since, they said, they could not find a way around this obstacle they were not prepared to renew the lease to the Community Association but proposed selling the building and with the money raised, build a replacement community centre at some time in the future. I am sure that Passmore Edwards would now repeat his comment made over 100 years ago when faced with continual delays and bureaucratic meddling over the construction of the Launceston Free Library. He said "If I had known then what I now know I may have spent more of my money in London and less in Cornwall".

Penrose Road had not been used for Science for years,but HTC found a legal clause as a means to get rid of a building it was not capable of looking after.

If the Town Council is incapable of maintaining a handful of old buildings,and locals cannot or will not take responsibility,then we are left with other 'outsiders' to take on the task.

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Gill Zella Martin says...
12:43pm Mon 26 Nov 12

If I win millions on the national lottery Then I will put in on my list after a stadium.

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ronedgcumbe says...
10:48pm Mon 26 Nov 12

Different years and different times lets move on. If these people can provide us with this good for them, but not a priority. We have been badly let down in the past.
For example the town council who received many thousands for the town center and spend it at around £800 a week for totally unnecessarily town center management,and. now can you believe it another £15.000 a year for an apprentice. I kid you not.

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Three Word Wonder says...
7:27am Tue 27 Nov 12

Agree with you Ron

However, the Trust, C.A.S.T.,which has taken on Penrose Road is in a different league to the Town Council

I have had time to study the C.V. and background and history of each of these characters, and it is indeed impressive.

I will follow the progress of this project and look forward to the Trust's impact on the Town and wider area,with enthusiasm, not cynicism

GOOD LUCK C.A.S.T.

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Three Word Wonder says...
7:13am Thu 29 Nov 12

THREE WORDS


ENTHUSIASM, NOT CYNICISM

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