Striking 'bug hotel' to go ahead after £300k boost
A visually striking education centre that looks like a bird's nest is set to be built at a major Cornwall tourist attraction. The Heligan Learning Seed Pod, with its wood lattice walls, was first mooted in 2021 as part of Sir Tim Smit's grand master plan for Heligan.
At the time, the project was mooted as a potential new office space for staff. Three years on, the Heligan Learning Seed Pod is to become an education centre after receiving £300,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is being managed locally by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.
The funding will enable the organisation to refurbish existing unused buildings and build an education, skills and learning hub which will be known as the “seed pod”.
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Bosses at Heligan, near Mevagissey, said four new permanent jobs will be created as part of the project to set up and run the educational programme. The new two-storey building will be visually striking in its design with latticed wood giving it the aspect of an organic bug hotel.
CEO David Harland said: "Our current work focuses on nature recovery and we are excited to share our best practice and learnings with the visitor and local communities alike. Heligan, of course, is an anagram of ‘healing’ and is a natural home for a programme incorporating health and wellbeing in nature, growing and horticulture, and sustainability."
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He said that the total investment from Heligan for the project will be in excess of £1.5m, and will provide a permanent facility to make Heligan and Cornwall an important champion for agriculture, horticulture and systems change. It will also provide practical amenities to local community groups.
Managing director Laura Chesterfield added: "The nature of Heligan and its activities means that it’s open to all and we will seek to support groups in our community. The large indoor classroom will become a base for groups such as the Heligan Scouts as well as forming a home for a wider volunteer programme."
Cllr Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy, said: "This will be of benefit to visitors, local residents and community groups and will see new jobs and volunteer opportunities created."
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