£3.5m in Lottery pot to restore Luxulyan Valley's natural and industrial treasures

Plans to restore a Cornish beauty spot has been backed with millions of pounds worth of lottery money.

The Luxulyan Valley Heritage Restoration project aims to carry out extensive conservation work in the area.

They also want to re-examine the valley's industrial and natural heritage to underpin a programme of activities to engage new visitors, improve accessibility and provide training and volunteering opportunities for people living locally.

Now, the project is one step closer. A joint bid from Cornwall Council and Cornwall Heritage Trust for the Luxulyan Valley Heritage Restoration project has received earmarked funding of £3,473,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

What does 'earmarked funding mean'?

Earmarked funding means the outline proposals for the project met initial criteria for funding and the Heritage Lottery Fund believes the project has potential to deliver high-quality benefits and value for Lottery money.

The project now has 2 years to submit fully developed proposals to secure a firm award.

Why is the money important?

The project will restore much of the industrial heritage within the valley including the iconic Treffry Viaduct, which is currently on Historic England’s ‘Heritage at Risk’ register.

A separately funded hydroelectric turbine, powered by water from the repaired Victorian leats in the valley, will fund the ongoing conservation and continue the water powered theme of the area.

The valley's Carmears tramway also has some of the best surviving lengths of early 19th century tramway rails in the UK.