National Trust approved to run mining attraction

The National Trust looks set to be the new long-term operator of a mining heritage site.

Cornwall Council is due to sign an agreement with the trust next week for it to take on a 30-year lease to run the Heartlands site at Pool, between Redruth and Camborne in Cornwall.

When the mining heritage centre closed in January last year, about 40 employees were given notice to find new jobs.

Camborne and Redruth MP Perran Moon said it was "fantastic news" and the National Trust was "exactly the sort of organisation we need coming in there to really make this work". The agreement is due to be signed by Cornwall Council's cabinet member for tourism, localism and planning, Sarah Preece, on Wednesday.

Moon said it was "fantastic news for the people in and around Pool, Camborne and Redruth along with the wider community".

"The sooner we can get the National Trust in there, the better," he added.

A spokesperson for the trust, which has yet to sign the lease, said: "The National Trust, in collaboration with Cornwall Rural Community Charity (CRCC) and Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum (VSF), has entered a new phase of discussions with Cornwall Council.

"These discussions aim to explore the potential for the National Trust to take on the operational management of Heartlands, a significant cultural heritage and community site in Cornwall.

"It is a complex site and we appreciate everyone's patience as we continue discussions and work towards a hopeful outcome."

Heartlands opened in 2012 after more than £20m in lottery funding was used to regenerate the derelict mining area. It was run by the Heartlands Trust before it ran into financial difficulty and closed in January 2024.

The Red River Café, Wheal Play soft play centre, a conference centre and meeting rooms all closed but the adventure playground, gardens, independent shops and offices remained open.

Cornwall Council took on day-to-day management of the site, but undertook a process to find a long-term operator.

The proposed 30-year National Trust lease includes a break clause after five years enabling the trust to bring it to an end if required.

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