Heartlands Cornwall facts for kids
| Theme | Mining and the Cornish diaspora |
|---|---|
| Area | 19 acres (7.7 ha) |
| Coordinates | 50°13′22″N 5°16′29″W / 50.22273°N 5.27464°W |
| Opened | 20 April 2012 |
| Closed | 28 February 2024 |
Heartlands Cornwall, often known simply as Heartlands, was a special visitor attraction in Pool, Cornwall, England. It was also a gateway to a World Heritage Site. Many people called it Cornwall's first free cultural playground! This exciting place was built on 19 acres of land where the old South Crofty tin mine used to be. It was right in the heart of Cornwall's rich mining history.
The Heartlands project got its funding from the National Lottery. It opened its doors on April 20, 2012. This happened after 14 years of careful planning and hard work.
In 2014, Heartlands faced some tough times. It almost had to close because not enough visitors came, and its income was low. The team had to change their business plan and reduce the number of paid staff to keep going.
Sadly, on January 5, 2024, Heartlands announced it would close for good. This was due to ongoing financial problems. The museum, the soft play area, the conference center, and the café all closed the next month. However, some independent shops at the site are still open as of April 25, 2024.
The Heartlands Trust, which ran the park, officially closed down on April 24, 2024. They sold off their assets. Now, Cornwall Council is in charge of the park's future.
Contents
What Was Heartlands?
Heartlands was a unique place designed to celebrate Cornwall's mining past. It also aimed to be a fun and educational spot for everyone. It was a place where history and play came together.
Exploring the Heartlands Site
The park covered 19 acres of land. This huge area used to be part of the famous South Crofty mine. Visitors could explore different parts of the site. It was a great way to learn about Cornwall's mining heritage.
Why Was Heartlands Important?
Heartlands was more than just a park. It was a gateway to a World Heritage Site. This means it helped people understand and appreciate the special history of Cornwall's mining landscape. It was a place where the community could gather and learn.
Parkrun at Heartlands
A special event called parkrun took place at Heartlands every Saturday. Parkrun is a free, weekly, 5-kilometer running event. It's open to everyone, no matter their age or how fast they can run. It was a popular activity for locals and visitors alike.
