Working with Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change (CN4C) and the Princess May Recreation Trust (PMRT), the Council have transformed a large empty open area of virtual wasteland into a facility that can be used by our whole community. Situated next to one of the District's most deprived areas, with high levels of anti-social behaviour, the Princess May Project has provided a state of the art skate bowl for skateboarders, BMXers and rollerbladers. There are also toilets and a new community facility building, which will allow community youth activity leaders and community volunteers to have a base to work from. The building incorporates two pieces of mosaic artwork, designed by the local children, and commissioned by local artist Tim Lawrence. Phase one of the project, which also included landscaping, creation of paths, lighting, construction of a picnic area and new gates at the main entrance, has now been completed.

The total cost of the project to date is £600,000. Seven funding bodies, including £150,000 from the Liveability Pilot have allowed this dream to become a reality.

From the outset the design of this project has been community led. Following a highly successful consultation event held at the site in 2002, a multi-agency steering group was set up to take the project forward. The British Trust of Conservation Volunteers and the Neighbourhood Pride Team have co-ordinated community plant days at the site, and local schools have had significant involvement in its design and operation.

Now that Phase 1 of the programme is complete, the Council have handed over the day-to-day running of the site to the PMRT, however the Council will still remain responsible for maintenance and health and safety issues. PMRT will also be responsible for delivering Phase 2 of the project, which includes children and youth play areas (including a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA).

The completed skate bowl has received enthusiastic praise from local skateboarders and the media, and the latest crime incident figures suggest that Princess May is having a positive effect on anti-social behaviour in the vicinity.