A NEWLY established community interest group has launched with the intention of bringing people together to help shape Torpoint’s future through sport, arts, culture and community activity.

Formed by local people following the closure of Torpoint Sports Hall earlier this year, The Point (SW) CIC aims to develop welcoming, accessible spaces and opportunities that reflect what the community wants and needs.

Its ambitions include securing and improving community facilities, supporting creative learning, and helping people of all ages and backgrounds take an active role in local life.

Founding directors - Sarah Webber, Keiran Moon, Leigh Cottrell, Nichole Hancock, Steve Pike and Joseph Trethewey - bring experience across project development, arts management and community education, alongside a shared commitment to the town.

As part of developing their approach, some of the team visited Nudge Community Builders in Plymouth recently to see how local people are bringing buildings back into use and creating opportunities for community activity and creative enterprise. The visit offered inspiration for what a community-led approach could achieve in Torpoint.

The team has also benefited from invaluable advice and encouragement from Gareth Hart of Iridescent Ideas CIC, helping turn their shared ambitions into a social enterprise with community benefit at its heart.

The Point is now inviting residents, community groups, clubs, local businesses and potential partners to join that conversation. The team wants to hear what people value about Torpoint, what is missing and what would help more people participate in community life.

“A community thrives when people feel heard, connected and valued,” said director Sarah Webber. “The closure of the Sports Hall brought us together, but it also prompted a wider conversation about the spaces and opportunities our town needs.

“We want to take a creative and inclusive approach, bringing together people with different experiences, interests and ideas. That means listening, working alongside existing groups and giving residents a meaningful role in shaping what happens next.”

“This is the beginning of a conversation. We want to find out what Torpoint wants and needs, and how we can work together to make it happen.”