Hayle Pioneerium Project – Project history

Who would have thought that browsing through a magazine would have such an impact?

Steam Magazine, edition 357, to be precise.  The National Railway Museum, home to one of the finest collection of locomotives and other railway-related objects in the world, had a problem, and wrote about it in this particular journal.  It had run out of space.  This had happened before – and Locomotion, the new railway museum at Shildon was born. But the collection kept growing, and once again, the NRM was looking for somewhere to house its surplus (and large) items.

Local businessman Ray Wyse read the article.  He pondered on Hayle’s own impressive industrial heritage.  Surely, the home of Trevithick’s pioneering steam engine workshop has a lot to offer!  Then he thought about Hayle’s socioeconomic problems, and how world-class exhibits would turn the town into a destination.

So he answered the NRM’s call.  And they started talking…

In March 2010, Hayle Enterprise Trust was formed.  This group aims to take this idea forward and make it happen.  And the idea grew.  As well as housing the NRM’s exhibits, there could be a venue comprising things Hayle needs – a contemporary cinema (any cinema indeed), a year-round indoor attraction in the centre of town, a job and skills-creator, a place for businesses to meet, a social hub for both locals and visitors…

Where is the project now?  Fundraising has started big-style, with the Screen Machine event in August (link).  Work is being carried out on funding streams, venue locations and gathering local support and skills.