How CELT is increasing community capacity through the Bodmin Revival CIC

Mark Talbot

Higher Education Lead
Cornwall Education Learning Trust

One element of Cornwall Education Learning Trust (CELT)’s cradle-to-career work has involved partnering with the Bodmin Town Team to increase the institutional capacity needed to revitalise Bodmin’s town centre. Recognising the need for a unified approach, they are exploring the viability of establishing a Community Interest Company (CIC) to develop people and places simultaneously—repurposing vacant units in the town centre for to ensure that every young person has the confidence and connections to fulfil their purpose.

Introduction

The Bodmin Revival Community Interest Company (CIC) exemplifies the powerful impact of community leadership in driving local transformation. Emerging from the urgent need to revitalise Bodmin's town centre, this initiative, led by the Bodmin Town Team (TT) and supported by the Town Vitality Fund, showcases how grassroots efforts can catalyse significant social and economic change.

Context and challenges

Bodmin, like many towns, faces the challenge of declining town centre vitality. Despite a well-crafted regeneration plan by the TT, existing resources and organisational capacities fell short of implementing the proposed projects. This scenario necessitated the creation of a new, locally controlled entity to spearhead the revitalisation efforts effectively. The birth of Bodmin Revival CIC marked a pivotal step towards addressing these challenges, bringing together local stakeholders under a unified vision to enhance outcomes for young people in Bodmin.

Opportunity identification

A substantial opportunity was identified within the TT's regeneration plan: repurposing vacant units in the town centre for educational and creative purposes. By partnering with the Cornwall Education Learning Trust (CELT), the initiative envisioned the establishment of facilities for higher education students, a creative studio, and a gallery; these spaces aimed to serve as incubators for local talent, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation. The project faced initial setbacks in securing large-scale redevelopment funding, prompting a shift towards a phased approach that leveraged smaller units for incremental, organic growth.

Strategic rationale for a CIC

The decision to form a Community Interest Company (CIC) was strategic. The CIC structure aligns with community-driven initiatives, enabling effective partnerships with existing organisations and maximising resources. By fostering collaboration between various stakeholders, Bodmin Revival CIC aims to develop people and places concurrently, ensuring holistic and sustainable regeneration outcomes that support educational goals.

Implementation: Repurposing vacant units

A critical component of Bodmin's revitalisation involves repurposing approximately 30 vacant buildings. While residential conversions offer one solution, a balanced strategy is necessary to boost footfall and support local businesses. The student creative project is a cornerstone of this strategy, with additional opportunities such as upcycling businesses and artisan workshops under exploration. As Bodmin Revival CIC gains traction, it provides the leadership and support necessary to drive these initiatives forward, fostering a dynamic and diverse town centre.

Critical success factors

The success of Bodmin Revival CIC hinges on several key factors:

Vision and incremental progress: A clear long-term vision coupled with a focus on incremental progress.
Leadership and culture: Strong leadership and an organisational culture that encourages innovation.
Funding: Securing sufficient funding for initial setup and operational costs.
Holistic support: Providing holistic support for well-being and addressing vulnerabilities within the community.
Partnerships: Establishing robust partnerships with local organisations and stakeholders.

Proposed next steps

To ensure successful implementation, the following steps have been proposed:

Secure grant funding for initial setup and development.
Form a TT Working Party to oversee the establishment of the CIC.
Identify partners and service providers for key roles.
Conduct research to understand the needs of students and creatives for the Creative Studio project.
Initiate discussions with stakeholders to advance the plan.

Conclusion

Bodmin Revival CIC stands as a testament to the power of community leadership and collective action.

By leveraging local resources, fostering community engagement, and building strategic partnerships, the CIC aims to create vibrant spaces, support local businesses, and nurture talent.

This case study offers valuable insights into the transformative potential of grassroots initiatives, underscoring the importance of a clear vision, strong leadership, and collaborative efforts in driving meaningful change. Bodmin Revival CIC provides a rich example of how local initiatives can address complex challenges through strategic planning, resource mobilisation, and stakeholder engagement. This case highlights the critical role of community-driven approaches in achieving sustainable development and revitalisation that ultimately benefits the educational outcomes for children at CELT.