Visitors are praising a more than £1m revamp project in Cornwall that’s helping breathe new life into ‘an ancient church’.

The St Just in Roseland Interpretive Centre Project has seen a boost in visitors since it officially opened earlier this year.

Image shows people stood together outside a stone building. In front of them is a sign which reads 'Interpretive Centre Open'.

Outside the interpretive centre at its official opening in March 2025.

Members of St Just in Roseland and St Mawes Parochial Church Council (PCC) embarked on the community-led project to encourage people’s interest in the church and gardens’ heritage, lower the centre’s carbon footprint and boost biodiversity.

The upgrades, near to the Grade I listed St Just-in-Roseland Church, include a new Discovery/ Interpretive Centre, displays, new toilets, and use of heat pumps, solar and insulation.

The café has also been extended with more kitchen space, new electrics, resurfaced paths, and a new pumping main to take toilet waste 400m uphill to join the mains.

The project, which officially opened in March, is already having a positive impact on the church and the area’s biodiversity. There’s been a growing interest in the site and an increase in donations.

A person on the right looking at something on the wall. The wall is green and there are illustrations on it including a drawing of a house with many windows. Bottom right hand corner shows the back of someone's head.The St Just in Roseland Interpretive Centre Evaluation Report reads there has been a ‘greater appreciation for the natural environment and an understanding of the site’s spiritual significance’.

Andrew Prince, parish treasurer, wrote in the Interim report for the project: “We have had some very positive feedback from visitors and stakeholders and early indicators show that donations from car parking and in the church are up.”

He highlighted a quote from a visitor earlier this year who had communicated: “The Interpretative centre has added a whole new dimension to St Just Church/site.

“It has been carefully & thoughtfully created to provide education, interest & a further reason to visit St Just Church.

“The improved facilities (cafe & toilets) are greatly welcomed & it is lovely to see an ancient church being brought alive with the ambition & dedication of a new generation.

“Well done to all who have worked hard to create this incredible relaxing & educational space providing inspiration, education & the ability to reflect intelligently on the past history of the locality /Cornwall. Thank you – a really enjoyable visit.”

Image shows people inside the Interpretive Centre looking at the displays. The walls have a map on them and there is a wooden display stand in the centre with a glass case on top.Funding for the project has included £975,878 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, private donations of just under £85,000, and assistance from Truro Diocesan Board of Finance with the provision of a £100,000 loan, plus hours of volunteer time.

Work began onsite in March 2024 and the centre officially opened Thursday 13th March 2025. The High Sheriff of Cornwall, Sam Galsworthy and The Rt Revd Hugh Nelson, Bishop of St Germans were guests of honour at the opening ceremony. It’s now open daily from 10am-4pm in winter and 5pm in summer. Entry is FREE with donations appreciated. Everyone welcome.