Heartlands is the fruition of a long held ambition in the community to redevelop the Pool area of West Cornwall, which had been left largely untouched following the demise of the tin mining industry and closure of the mines in 1998 after nearly 400 years of activity. 

Situated at Robinson’s Shaft, the site is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site, and in November 2007 was awarded a 22.3 million grant from the Big Lottery Fund’s Living Landmarks programme.  This core funding, along with money from Cornwall Council, the Homes and Communities Agency, and the European Union enabled the development to realise it’s potential and this new visitor attraction and community space will open in spring 2012.

Designed and inspired by the community itself, Heartlands will combine a unique mix of heritage, culture and the environment.  Set in 19 acres of glorious park and landscaped gardens, former mine buildings have been restored and redeveloped to create a state-of-the art exhibition space telling the story of the rise and fall of Cornish tin mining; the old Carpenter’s Shed will become a restaurant; and Robinson’s Engine House will come to life once more.

New environmentally sustainable buildings on the site will provide homes, offices, art studios, galleries and areas to hire, creating a thriving Heartlands community within the attraction; and a year long programme of events including markets, festivals, music and theatre performances will ensure both young and old (and everyone in-between) can engage with the unique space.

Beyond the mine buildings stretches an expanse of green landscape.  Five landscaped botanical gardens, each relating to a country that the Cornish have emigrated to tell a poignant story, as does the red river that flows neatly into the reflection pool, a beautiful water feature in the shadow of Robinson’s Engine House.

Within the parkland also lies the largest free adventure playground in Cornwall which was inspired by the young members of the local community who, once Heartlands is open, will be able escape the Carn Brea Giant’s trap, climb aboard a smuggler’s ship or explore an abandoned mine.

Heartlands will open to the world in Spring 2012. Free to the public, it will be run as a social enterprise - economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.  Guided tours are available in advance of opening.  Please contact Kirsty Davies on 01209 722320 or visit www.heartlandscornwall.com to discover how you can get involved.