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An international architect, whose home is in Penzance, is urging those
involved with the Newlyn and Penzance regeneration proposals to be 'as
imaginative as possible."
Jeremy Parker, who has been working on major desert projects in North
Africa, praised the proposals for Newlyn and Penlee Quarry as 'ambitious'
but believed the plans for Market Jew Street and the Promenade did not
go far enough.
"I have only recently returned to Penzance from projects abroad
and had no idea that such ambitious schemes were proposed, especially
for Newlyn," said Mr Parker.
"St Ives has its visual arts focal point in The Tate and Penzance
should partner this with a performing arts focus."
Mr Parker said one of his 'big league architecture' ideas for Penzance
was a 'flying saucer' shaped structure above the Jubilee Pool, which would
turn it into a versatile all-weather building both for swimming and when
empty of water, for concerts and exhibitions for 1,000 people.
Mr Parker also suggests that Penzance harbour should be dug out again
and lock gates fitted. "No further marine propositions would be required,"
he said.
"I have various proposals, some of which would scandalise the town,
but it appears to me that more imagination is needed with some of the
proposed schemes and I would urge the planners to be as imaginative as
possible."
Mr Parker said that there were currently prime sites ready for development
in Mount's Bay, including the old gasworks site, plus buildings that,
in his opinion, are underused, such as St John's Hall.
"There has been a real change in the district in the two years I've
been away, which could be down to the new chief executive of Penwith Council,
Jim McKenna," he said. "I met the council representatives at
the recent consultation meeting at Newlyn and felt that these are people
I could work with."
article copyright © THE CORNISHMAN
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