Work progresses on Truro Community Hub Kemeneth

£950k Truro Hub Takes Shape – What’s Coming Next?

Construction is progressing on a major new community space in Truro city centre, designed to enhance a historic building that has served the city for nearly 200 years.

Truro Methodist Church has been awarded £952,705 through the government’s Town Deal fund for Kemeneth, a new community hub that will extend the Grade II listed building. Work began in October on a three-storey extension, which will add 140 square metres of additional space.

Construction moving forward

The build is being carried out by Poltair Construction. Earlier this month, the steel framework for the extension was erected, marking a visible step forward in the project.

Work is expected to complete in December this year, with the first events and activities planned for early next year.

A space shaped by community need

Kemeneth, the Cornish word for “community”, reflects the church’s aim to create a welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds.

The church already hosts more than 100 community groups, including social prescribing services, youth groups, counselling support, and large annual events such as the Cornwall Music Festival.

Revd Mark Dunn-Wilson, Minister for Truro Methodist Church, said:
“We have been welcoming people into our space for almost 200 years, and creating a community hub has been a vision since 2017. We’ve noticed an increased need from people in Truro, particularly post Covid – with people struggling with mental health, isolation and loneliness, and just needing that companionship and a safe space.

“We’ve been supporting the community of Truro for a long time, and now we’ve been really listening to what the community needs and we’re working closely with other organisations who are experts – charities, the NHS, social prescribers. Kemeneth will provide additional space for us all. Everyone is welcome.”

What the new hub will include

The extension will provide flexible, open-plan meeting and event spaces, designed to adapt depending on need. It will also feature the latest audio-visual technology and a Changing Places toilet facility.

Outside, the existing car park will be remodelled to include outdoor seating and a catering area.

As part of the wider plans, Kemeneth will also make use of space within an adjacent building, creating smaller counselling and treatment rooms.

Backing from the Town Deal

The project forms part of Truro’s Town Deal investment plan, developed in 2020 during the Covid pandemic.

Alan Stanhope, Chair of Truro Town Deal Board, said:
“Our vision through the Town Deal was to create a Connected River City, and through this a connected experience for people who live and work here. We developed our investment plan in 2020 during Covid, and Truro Methodist Church is now seeing the impacts of the pandemic on mental health and isolation.

“We’re so pleased that Truro Methodist Church is now forging ahead with construction and is making its mark in the city. Kemeneth will be a central place where people of all ages, backgrounds, faiths and orientations can connect.”

Alongside the Towns Fund grant, the project has also received £500,000 in match funding from Cornwall Council.