The Nance Mill Engines Preservation Association has been awarded £57,780 by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, allocated via Cornwall Council’s Community Levelling Up Programme, part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.
This funding will support the development of new accessible facilities designed to strengthen community engagement and promote environmental sustainability.
The project will deliver a new meeting and welfare facility alongside an eco-friendly composting toilet block at the historic Nance Mill site.
These much-needed upgrades will replace outdated infrastructure and provide essential amenities for both association members and the wider public.
The new meeting room will offer a flexible space for changing, seminars, exhibitions, and small gatherings. A new kitchen facility will support the association’s popular Open Days, enabling catering, cake sales, and improved volunteer support.
The composting toilet block will include two unisex units—one with disabled access—, all using waterless systems and rainwater harvesting to ensure sustainable waste management.
Trustee Keith Billington said: “Our members and volunteers, who are essential to Nance Mill’s work, currently have limited toileting and sub-standard break facilities. This lack of infrastructure also restricts our ability to open to the general public.
“We’ve already made a great start by demolishing the old structure and are very much looking forward to our launch event later this year.”
Founded to support the mill’s original founder, the association became a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2022. With nearly 100 members and a strong commitment to inclusivity, the group preserves and restores sawmill engines and machinery, maintains the surrounding downs land, and engages young people in woodland creation and environmental stewardship.
The Penwith Community Area Partnership played a key role in allocating funds to local projects.
Cllr Luke Rogers, who represents St Ives East, Carbis Bay and Lelant, said: “This funding marks a significant step forward in the association’s mission to foster community development, sustainability, and heritage preservation in Nance.
"We are delighted to support their work.”
ENDS
Posted 14 October, 2025
