Works are underway in Isis Gardens, Hayle which on completion will see the gardens restored to their previous glory.

Following the gardens being closed and used by both Network Rail, as part of a £7m project to reinstate the viaduct decking, and the developers for the neighbouring Asda Supermarket, Bowmer & Kirkland, the gardens are being restored back to an important greenspace for Hayle. Network Rail and Bowmer & Kirkland last year agreed to fund the reinstatement work and to improve the area.

Cornwall Council contractors CORMAC began onsite during May on works which included the replanting of the gardens with subtropical species as well as the laying of a new granite walkway, walling and provision of seating areas.

CORMAC have been assisted in the planting by volunteers from several organisations and community groups including the Prince’s Trust, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, Air Cadets, Hayle in Bloom and volunteers from Asda, Hayle. 

John Coombe, Cornwall Council Member for Hayle South, said: “The work on the Isis Gardens is good news for all who visit the Foundry Square area of our town together with the RNLI and Hayle In Bloom.

I hope this area will blossom for many years to come and everybody will be able to enjoy the new garden.”

Joyce Duffin, Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for Housing and Environment, said: “This is an important civic space for the community and visitors to Hayle and it is great news that works are underway to restore the garden to its former glory.”

Nick Farrar, Mayor of Hayle Town Council, said: “I am very pleased that the Isis Gardens are finally receiving a much needed make over. This area is a gateway to Foundry Square and to the rest of Hayle and will now create a memorable and fitting garden that complements Hayle's other magnificent gardens and displays. Hayle is widely recognised as a centre for successful parks and gardens and I feel these improvements will raise our towns profile even higher. We look forward to welcoming the many visitors that these gardens and our other floral displays attract each season.”

Nigel Powell, Chairman of Hayle in Bloom, said: “I can’t praise the work enough, the gardens are looking excellent and it was a great opportunity for Hayle in Bloom to be involved in shaping the local gardens to promote the town as well as its people, Council and local shops.”

The Isis Gardens were gifted to the RNLI by Hayle Town Council and were named after the first lifeboat in Hayle which was launched in 1866. Isis carried out ten rescues saving fifty lives during her twenty-one years of service. The Isis Gardens is home to the RNLI flag in Hayle and it is hoped that following the completion of the works in the summer that the flag will be flown here once again.

Story posted 03 August