Popular family seaside attraction that had free entry to close after 12 years
A popular family seaside attraction is closing its doors following a huge rise in operating costs.
Heartlands, one of Cornwall's most popular attractions, was founded to showcase local culture and is situated in the village of Pool between Camborne and Redruth. The free-entry 19-acre site offered mining exhibits, rental venues, botanical gardens and a cafe, plus a yearly firework show.
Despite attracting an estimated 360,000 visitors annually, it was announced on Friday that the attraction is closing permanently due to rising operating costs. The council said it was not in a position to be able to offer financial support to Heartlands. The park, gardens, and private offices will remain open, reports Cornwall Live.
The park, gardens, and private offices will remain open (Heartlands / Facebook)A joint statement from the Heartlands Trust and Cornwall Council read: "Despite the hard work and dedication over many years of the Heartlands Trust, the registered charity that runs Heartlands in Pool, and the staff there, it has become clear that Heartlands is unable to continue to cover its operating costs and facilities at the site will have to close.
"Despite its popularity, recent economic conditions have meant that utility costs have considerably increased and income from operations has decreased. All of the funding options currently available have now been exhausted and Cornwall Council is not in a position to be able to step in and provide ongoing financial support for the current operation.
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"It is currently envisaged that the Café, Soft Play, and the Conference Centre and meeting rooms will close at the end of January. The Trust of course commits to refunding any deposits paid, or tickets bought, for future events that are cancelled.
"The Trust is keen that the site can continue to serve the local community; an objective that is shared with Cornwall Council, which owns the Heartlands site and leases it to the Trust. The council will maintain public access to the park and gardens, and the Registration Service and commercially let shops and offices will remain open.
Heartlands had received National Lottery funding and was part of a local mission to "improve life and opportunity" for the community. Primary schools in the area had used Heartlands as an educational resource, for children to learn about social history and their local heritage.
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