The grant from HLF's Townscape Heritage programme will be used to fund traditional repairs and reinstate shopfronts, signs and missing architectural detail in the town’s Conservation Area.

The project is aimed at rejuvenating important historic buildings and public areas in the town centre including Fore Street, Duke Street, Market Street, Trevarthian Road and High Cross Street, bringing them back in to use, and helping to boost the local economy.

Work on the scheme is due to start in spring 2017, and is expected to take four years to complete.

To help secure the bid, council officers liaised with local groups including St Austell Town Council and Chamber of Commerce to identify historic buildings in need of restoration and to encourage local property owners to come on board.

As part of the scheme, council officers will work in partnership with other business organisations including the Eden Project, Cornwall College and Cornwall Sustainable Building Trust to progress energy saving and skills training initiatives. This will include upskilling local contractors and college students in both traditional and new sustainable building techniques so they can be employed to improve some of St Austell’s historic buildings.

Edwina Hannaford, Cornwall Council's Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: "I’m delighted that HLF has given us this support. Rejuvenating historic buildings and public areas in the town will help to boost St Austell’s economy and create a better centre for businesses, local communities and visitors. This scheme is also a great opportunity to work with local partners and support local contractors so they too can be involved in improving the town centre.”

Sandra Heyward, the local member for St Austell Gover, added: "I’m really pleased that we’ve secured National Lottery funding to help to bring St Austell’s town centre back to life. It’s a significant boost for local people and I encourage local contractors and students to get involved in this scheme if the opportunity arises. I look forward to seeing some of the town’s historical buildings and areas being improved over the next few years.”

HLF Chair, Sir Peter Luff, said: “Historic town centres are the beating heart of communities, so where they fall into disrepair, the community pays a heavy price. Research shows that this can be changed and that even small changes - improving shop fronts or restoring architectural features - can make a real difference.

"That's what the Townscape Heritage scheme does so successfully, providing a boost for local economies, with vital employment and training opportunities, start-up spaces for small businesses and enhanced public places for residents and visitors. Townscape Heritage funding has made a huge difference to communities across the UK and this is only possible thanks to National Lottery players.”

Council officers will now continue to work in partnership with local groups, and will produce more detailed proposals for the buildings and areas in need of improvement.

Further information

Cornwall Council on tel: 01872 326626 or 0748401277 and via email: lcraik@cornwall.gov.uk