Regenerating Penzance
Penzance is a town of architectural contrasts, from lavish Egyptian-inspired façade to art deco masterpieces and iconic brickwork to grand porticos. A fascinating mix of styles has long shaped its unique identity, yet many of the ageing buildings have fallen into disrepair. The Town Deal fund through the Enterprise Grant Scheme has supported several large-scale renovation projects, breathing new life into the town and preserving its architectural heritage.
Located on one of Penzance’s oldest streets, 10 Parade Street was once considered one of the town’s most important public buildings. The Grade II listed Regency building is over 200 years old. It has served many purposes, including a bank, a public library, and a recording studio.
In 2021, the MusicAbility Foundation, a registered charity, was gifted the property. The charity promotes health through music therapy and education. It has already begun restoring 10 Parade Street to its former glory and plans to reignite the building’s role as a venue for the local community.
The first stage of the project was to create a music therapy space. Now completed, it is thought to be the only fully functioning music therapy room west of Bristol.
The Enterprise Grant Scheme has funded the project’s second stage. It focuses on creating a second music therapy space on the ground floor with level access for all.
The long-term vision is for 10 Parade Street to become a vibrant community hub, hosting a variety of musical performances and used by local groups. The building will be fully accessible, environmentally sensitive and will benefit many parts of the community including people in their early and later years and those disadvantaged by poor health, disability or mental illness.
Just around the corner on Morrab Road stands the former Unionist Club, built in 1913. Over the years, the building has served various purposes – including as an auction house and a bank.
Designer Emily Nixon was awarded £249,980 by the Enterprise Grant Scheme to transform the space. The three-storey building will be the HQ of Emily Nixon Jewellery. It will have a showroom, workshops and offices.
The relocation to Penzance marks a significant strategic move for Emily Nixon Jewellery.
Emily comments: “My business is evolving and growing and our move to this purpose designed space is aspirational and allows for ambition and growth. We’ll be creating work at the Unionist building that will be sold to customers around the world. Clients come from far and wide to see and buy my pieces, and it’s incredibly exciting to bring that to Penzance and breathe life into this amazing building.”
The restoration includes solar panels and air source heating/cooling units to enhance energy performance in the historic building. The company plans to offer apprenticeships and training in the craft to local people, creating more skilled jobs in the region.
