Shared Prosperity Funding confirmed for Newlyn artist studios

A project to create additional workspace for local artists by transforming unused buildings into new studios in Newlyn has been given a boost with funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  

The Borlase Smart John Wells Trust will receive £225,610 to create three new high-quality, accessible workspaces for artists working in Cornwall at their Trewarveneth Studios. One of these new studios will be offered for short term lets, providing flexible opportunities for young and emerging artists.   

The charity, which also owns and manages Grade II* Porthmeor Studios in St Ives, as well as neighbouring Grade II* Anchor Studios in Newlyn, will also be installing fibre broadband, an EV charger and bat and bird boxes as part of the upgrades.  

Chris Hibbert, Manager at Borlase Smart John Wells Trust, said: “We are really delighted that the Shared Prosperity Fund will help us to renovate these unsightly outbuildings in the heart of Newlyn, providing more opportunities for local artists. This project meets perfectly the ambitions of the Shared Prosperity Fund, but it would not be happening without their support, and we are most grateful.” 

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy, said: “Cornwall’s creative industries are a crucial part of the local economy and providing additional workspace for local artists in Newlyn builds on the thriving creative cluster in the area. It is also great to see sustainable approaches to regeneration embedded into the project.” 

Architect Rolfe Kentish and QS Trevor Humphreys, the team responsible for award-winning renovations of Porthmeor and Anchor Studios, have drawn up proposals for this project. Work is expected to begin in Summer 2023.

Contractors working on the project, which sits within Newlyn’s Conservation Area, will reuse and repurpose as much of the original building materials as possible, and source locally produced second-hand traditional slates to complete the roof. 

The funding has been received from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, which is being managed through the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme. 

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has been allocated a total of £132m of Shared Prosperity Fund for local investment providing opportunities for communities and businesses and giving residents access to new and training.