Falmouth's Princess Pavilion set to reopen in 'very near future' following uncertainty
The site has now been devolved to Falmouth Town Council
Falmouth's Princess Pavilion is set to reopen in the 'very near future'
The site has now been devolved to Falmouth Town Council, along with Gyllyngdune Gardens, following concerns over the venue's future.
The transfer took place on Friday May 21st following the termination of the lease with the previous operators Greenwich Leisure Ltd.
The transfer will safeguard these community facilities and ensure that decisions regarding the future of these assets are led by the local community.
This is the fourth major devolution of assets from Cornwall Council to Falmouth Town Council and demonstrates both Councils’ commitment to the localism agenda. Previous transfers to the Town Council include the public toilets, Dracaena Playing Fields and Falmouth Library which is run in partnership with Cornwall Council, which continues to supply books and IT services.
Falmouth Town Council will run Princess Pavilion and Gyllyngdune Gardens with and for the local community and will reintroduce a lively programme of events and activities for people of all ages and abilities. This will include popular annual events such as the Spring Flower Show and Tea and Christmas Tree Festivals.
The Town Council will champion local suppliers and community groups and will take a gradual approach to provision of services in order to gather local opinion and ideas.
“Since Cornwall Council announced the intention to transfer the Pavilion as well as Gyllyngdune Gardens last October, we have all worked hard to ensure a good outcome for the people of Falmouth. The town council recognises the historic and cultural significance of the Pavilion and Gardens to our community and we are delighted to have this opportunity to give something back.”
Falmouth Town Mayor, Councillor Steve Eva
“Devolving control and ownership of this well-known site to Falmouth Town Council to enable them to implement their ambitious plans for this locally loved facility is a fantastic demonstration of partnership working. It shows how ‘working local’ can give local communities more say in how services and assets are prioritised and delivered in their areas.
“We are delighted that the Town Council and Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) have worked pro-actively with us to conclude the transfer of this facility so it can once again be made available for people to enjoy and so that it can be part of supporting the economic and social well-being of Falmouth. This work builds on other achievements with the Town Council such as the local management of the library service and public toilets and very much aligns to the ambitions of Cornwall Council to support services to be run at the most appropriate local level.”
Cornwall Council’s Strategic Director for Neighbourhoods, Sophie Hosking
“We have worked with Cornwall Council and Falmouth Town Council to ensure the smooth transition of this much-loved local asset and are delighted that its long-term future has now been secured. We wish the Town Council every success in re-establishing the business after a very turbulent year. It’s a fantastic venue that deserves to do well.”
James Curry, Head of Service for GLL in Cornwall