The dream of Hayle having its own cinema and social hub is moving closer to reality.

The exciting Pioneerium project, which aims to develop a cinema, social space and training centre run by and for the local community, has just received a grant towards carrying out a feasibility study.

The West Cornwall Local Action Group, under the Rural Development Programme for England, will put forward 90% of the costs of the study.  A further 7% comes from Hayle Social Enterprise Trust, who are team driving the project, and the remaining 3% has been allocated by Hayle Town Council.

The study aims to investigate the feasibility of the Pioneerium project.  The project is not just about providing a cinema: it will also provide the town with a much-needed social hub, and link up with local businesses and education providers to create a training academy for Hayle’s young people.  Another important aspect of the project is communicating the town’s fascinating heritage. The feasibility study will examine all these elements, and also explore whether it is possible to house a tourist information centre within the Pioneerium.

Rex Sadler, Chairman of West Cornwall Local Action Group, which considered the grant application in November, said “The panel were impressed with the innovation shown by this project and its commitment to the future for local people in Hayle.”

Following the success of the travelling cinema’s visit to Hayle last August, the town’s desire to have its own cinema again has become clear.  Hayle Social Enterprise Trust has been in talks with Dutch bank ING about the possibility of working in partnership to build a community cinema and hub within its new development.  Gary Cartmell from ING says:

“We have been working with the Pioneerium team for the last four months, and we have been impressed with their vision for a social enterprise hub and cinema in Hayle.

“We were delighted to be one of the largest sponsors of the Screen Machine, and naturally we are very pleased by the reaction of everyone to the concept of high-quality cinema in the town.

“We have included the Pioneerium cinema/ social enterprise concept in our plans for South Quay which have just been deposited with Cornwall Council. The space identified is at the very entrance to South Quay and brings a unique and exciting cinema to the entrance to Foundry Square. This will undoubtedly add to the day and night vibrancy of an already special part of Hayle.”

Bob Amos, Chair of Hayle Social Enterprise Trust says:

“We have come a long way since we introduced the Pioneerium concept to the community of Hayle just over a year ago.  The Screen Machine event last August proved that people here want, and deserve, excellent entertainment and community facilities; and we are delighted that we now have the funding to take the Pioneerium another step forward.  We are indeed closer than ever to realising our goal.”

The project has support from local MP George Eustice, who comments:

“The Pioneerium project is the brightest idea to come out of Hayle for years and it has my full support. It gives us a unique opportunity to link our town’s industrial heritage with modern cinema technology. It is great to see it a further step closer to fruition.”

The study will commence later this month, with the final results available by next March.  Leading the research are cinema consultant Ron Inglis, and architect Stefanie Fischer, who have advised on similar projects elsewhere in the country.