Heritage scheme is starting to take shape

What began as a university project could result in a community garden on one of Penryn's most historically important sites.

With the backing of the town's main organisations, the creation of a garden at Glasney Field looks set to go from design to reality.

Ginette Davies takes a look at the scheme which will promote the history and heritage of the site.

THE greater part of the remains of one the best known and most important of Cornwall's monastic institutions lies underground at Glasney.

But with proposals for a heritage garden the story of the 1265 collegiate is set to get a wider audience, ensuring future generations know what is buried beneath the open field.

Proposals for a garden will bring the history of the site to life, as well as creating an enjoyable space for the community.

Student Andrew Clare's designs are being used as the basis for the project, supported by the Friends of Glasney, the town council and the Penryn Community Development Trust.

"It is hoped the garden will provide facilities for theatre groups and be an educational space for local schools and visitors, as well as being an enjoyable garden for all visitors," he said.

"There will be possibilities for arts and crafts, volunteer groups, allotments, market days, guided tours and a visitor building."

It may be ambitious, but it is hoped grant funding can be secured to deliver the overall concept for the Glasney Heritage Garden.

A specific Heritage Group, led by councillor John Kirby and Maurice O'Connell, has been created to take the project forward.

The Friends of Glasney, formed in 1986, care for the remains of the college and promote its history, with the ultimate aim of excavating the site and establishing a visitor centre.

In 2005 an archaeological assessment took place with support from English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund. The following year a group of garden design students at University College Falmouth, including Andrew, were asked to exhibit design ideas for a garden.

"This was a two-week group project which made an excellent foundation to develop the design further," said Andrew. "I carried the idea forward into my third year after a meeting with the Friends of Glasney, who were discussing a more developed design proposal to submit for funding.

"Emphasis was on promoting Cornish history and heritage, providing cultural identity and incorporating community needs."

Mr O'Connell said: "Andrew's vision will be used as a starting point, but will not necessarily be the final outcome."

Very much in the early stages, only a draft design proposal has been completed, along with a management plan. Heritage Lottery is likely to be the main source of funding and the project's cost is currently estimated at around £310,000, which will include running and maintaining it.

"A range of conservation and historical reports have been carried out on Penryn and they all identify Glasney as of historical importance, not only for Penryn, but also for Falmouth," said Mr O'Connell. "We have to be very sensitive to all these issues."

Materials and construction methods have been considered and no aspect of the garden will interfere with the archaeological remains.

Local stone and reclaimed timber will feature prominently.

Anyone who can help with the funding is asked to contact Mr Kirby, care of the Penryn Town Council offices, Saracen House, Market Street, Penryn.

A further public consultation will take place later in the spring when more details are ironed out. The scheme itself is likely to take three to four years to deliver.