Penzance Promenade, the Long Rock gateway to the town and the St Clare area are all being considered as possible areas where money could be spent.
The Cornwall Council-led project is aimed at improving the economic competitiveness of the town and they are now looking for guidance from the public on where the money should be spent.
The scheme will see AECOM, a multi-national company providing integrated planning, design, engineering and program management services, produce an Area Framework Plan over the next 12 months.
Initial talks have already taken place and next Wednesday, further consultation sessions are being held at the Queens Hotel.
AECOM’s project director, Keith Thomas, said that it was impossible to predict exactly what the funding might be but said it could be “many millions”.
“It will all depend on the evidence being made,” he said. “The emphasis is on improving the economic competitiveness of the town and the potential is there for many millions to be targeted for Penzance and Newlyn although match-funding will need to be identified as well.”
Areas which the plan is looking at include:
l The eastern gateway to Penzance including Long Rock industrial estate – the possibility of a park and ride scheme and opportunities to improve the waterfront and sense of arrival in the town
l The harbour area – how best to improve it and connect it with the town centre
l St Clare – potential alternative uses to help diversify the local economy and how it ties in with Penwith College and the leisure centre
l Wherrytown and the whole of the Prom – how best to make the most of a high quality waterfront area
l Newlyn – how to maximise the opportunities provided by the potential new fish market and how to make the port more accessible for visitors
l Overall – how to maximise the relationship of Penzance town centre with the other areas.
The design and consultation sessions are scheduled to continue over the next few months and, as well as looking at potential opportunities for future growth and sustainable economic development, will seek to ensure that Penzance and Newlyn retains its distinctive heritage and character.
Cornwall Councillor for economy and regeneration, Carolyn Rule, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to look at what the future of Penzance and Newlyn may look like, and see how we can make the most of any European funding to ensure that future is stable and provides opportunities for local employment and business growth.”
Invited groups will be meeting with representatives from AECOM and Cornwall Council next Wednesday, March 10 during the day.
Anyone not invited through one of these specific groups is encouraged to attend an evening session from 7-9pm at The Ballroom, Queen’s Hotel, Penzance where a summary of the workshop discussions will be provided and initial ideas examined.
What do you think should happen with this money? Please vote using the poll in the slidebar.
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