Inside Helston’s Bold New Health Centre: Could This Change Care Across Cornwall?

A former derelict supermarket in the centre of Helston has been transformed into a new health and wellbeing hub that leaders say could shape how neighbourhood care works across Cornwall.

Cober Valley Health has opened as a modern, purpose-built GP practice inside the once abandoned building, which had stood empty for seven years. It now brings GP services, community teams, mental health partners and prevention activities together under one roof.

A space designed for the community

The upper floor is home to the GP practice, which includes 19 consulting and treatment rooms. These have been built to meet current needs and expected population growth, especially among older people.

A series of wellbeing rooms also sit on the upper level, hosting activities such as sessions from health and wellbeing coaches, Pentreath mental health support, yoga classes and a community choir.

Downstairs, the space includes a climbing and bouldering wall, a music and dance area and a community café, all part of a wider focus on prevention, activity and connection.

Accessibility played a major role in the design. iSightCornwall, Access Cornwall and the Brandon Trust gave specialist advice on features like signage, artwork and level access.

Even the waiting room seating was chosen with community needs in mind. It was created by Kamasow in Coverack Bridges using steam bent, locally sourced wood and crafted at varying heights to support children, older people and those with reduced mobility.

Built locally, for long-term impact

The hub highlights Cornwall’s skills and sustainability goals. Local materials, local design and local tradespeople were used wherever possible, and the building now holds a net carbon zero rating. Its sustainable features include ground source heat pumps, thermal insulation and solar energy.

The project was part funded through Cornwall Council’s Good Growth Programme and Town Centre Revitalisation Fund.

Dr Jim Tait, GP Partner and lead GP for the building project at Cober Valley Health, said:

“This transformation has created something truly special for Helston. Turning a derelict supermarket into a modern, welcoming health and wellbeing hub has breathed new life into the town. Our 19 consulting and treatment rooms mean we can support a growing and ageing population, and our wellbeing spaces give people more opportunities to stay active, connect and improve their health.

“We have worked closely with local tradespeople, inclusivity experts and community partners to shape a space that is accessible, sustainable and rooted in the needs of local people. Being located in the centre of Helston also means we’re easy to reach, supporting both patients and the wider town centre.”

Juliet Ferris, Place Director for West Cornwall Integrated Care Area, said:

“This hub is a brilliant example of what neighbourhood health looks like in practice. It puts people at the heart of care and brings together GP services, community teams, prevention and wellbeing in one place. What the team here have achieved transforming an abandoned supermarket into a centre that will support health and connection for years to come is outstanding. It is a model we can learn from across Cornwall and beyond.”

David Turnbull, Director of South Kerrier Alliance CIC, added:

“Our vision was to take a building that had become a symbol of decline and turn it into something that brings lasting benefit to the people of Helston. This project is a true community asset a place where healthcare and everyday life are woven together, offering long-term benefits for health, prevention and wellbeing.

“We have showcased local strengths in every sense: from design and structure to materials, craftsmanship and sustainability. Achieving a net carbon zero rating and working almost entirely with Cornish trades and suppliers demonstrates what is possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose. This building will serve Helston for generations.”

Funding and future potential

The redevelopment was delivered by South Kerrier Alliance CIC in partnership with Cober Valley Health and local contractors.

It received £2,131,806 from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, managed by Cornwall Council and funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. A further £500,000 came from Cornwall Council’s Town Centre Revitalisation Fund, which supports development designed to stimulate town centre activity.

The facility has already caught national attention, recently hosting a visit from NHS Chair Dr Penny Dash, who viewed the building as an example of neighbourhood care development in Cornwall.

Cober Valley Health is based in central Helston with on-site parking and good links to nearby services.