Mevagissey on the Move

Mevagissey on the Move (MOTM) tried to establish a Millennium Centre that would consolidate their work and provide improved community facilities for both the young and old. The centre plans included a youth drop-in centre, committee and training rooms, crèche, amenity hall, healthy living centre, dentist, library, workshops etc. The group had already delivered a first stage design report by the time it had come into contact with The Glass-House.

Mevagissey is a seaside village in Cornwall that is a popular tourist destination. The village has a population of approximately 3,000 and a high proportion of holiday homes. Despite being a densely populated area for much of the year, the village suffers from a lack of facilities for permanent residents, particularly for children and young people. “We feel we are a forgotten limb compared to the rest of the area, particularly when it comes to funding”.

Mevagissey on the Move (MOTM) came together as a result of requests from local children for better facilities. “We’re individuals who have recognised a need and are trying to attract some attention”.

The group’s first project was to renovate a play area for kids, including a skateboard park and mini-Wembley, which has been very successful. “In August we counted about 65 kids playing on the equipment, parents too. And families were having picnics there. People said it would be a white elephant!” People even come from nearby St Austell to use the play area because it is safe and fun. “That’s what we wanted, for disadvantaged kids to have access to facilities.”

Their current project is to build a Millennium Centre to provide facilities that will meet the needs of everyone in the community. The centre would include a youth drop-in centre, training rooms, crèche, amenity hall, healthy living centre, dentist, library and workshops.

The group went on a Buildings by Design course with plans already drawn, and rather than change them dramatically, they benefited from the course instead by affirming the quality of their plans.

After attending the course the group decided to apply for a Glass-House grant to conduct a second stage study into building their Millennium Centre and were awarded £3,000. The Glass-House advised the group about appointing an architect and helped them identify a shortlist. The group were much happier with the architect they selected from this process than with previous architects.

Through their Project Support,The Glass-House also helped the group adapt their business plan for the new site and provided valuable support towards planning the community facility.

There are 16 people on the MOTM committee plus 6 young people. “It’s both democratic and practical to have them involved and keeps us on track as to why we’re doing it.”

MOTM committee members come from a range of other organisations. This is a deliberate attempt to represent as many other groups in the village as possible. On the committee there are representatives from the Parish Council, Over 60s club, Junior Youth Club, Tennis Club, RNLI, Neighbourhood Watch,  a shopkeeper, Chamber of Commerce, Curator of the village museum. “The people in MOTM tend to be the people who get involved in everything – the core people”.

Buildings

• Building by Design course
• Cash grant (no longer available)
• Project Support