Traders joining forces to promote one of Falmouth’s oldest areas have taken a giant stride forward in a campaign to raise awareness of the town’s ‘forgotten street’.
In a bid to create a more distinctive identity and reflect its special character, High Street is to be renamed The Old High Street and plans have been finalised for a wrought iron entrance arch embracing the new name to be created at the bottom of the street.
A big new programme of special events and promotions in the build-up to Christmas has also been announced.
As well as European funding, the High Street Traders Group has attracted the support of Truro-based Skinners Brewery, who will sponsor a Christmas shop window display competition.
Confirmation of the moves was warmly welcomed at the group’s October meeting, which was addressed by Falmouth Town Centre Manager David Pollard.
Traders heard details of support from Falmouth Town Council along with the news that the novel arch feature would be funded by the Falmouth BID business improvement district scheme. Students from University College Falmouth will be involved in its design.
“It all adds up to a major boost for this part of Falmouth,” said group spokeswoman Elaine Bayley from Camellia Interiors.
“High Street has a remarkable collection of small shops, pubs and eating places, yet it really is the forgotten street of Falmouth! So many people who come here have not done so for many years and tell us they hadn’t realised just how much there is on offer here now.
“A lot of people unfamiliar with the town naturally think of the stretch from Market Street to Arwenack Street as ‘the high street,’ so we want the new name and image to remove that confusion. It will effectively be the re-launch of an entire street.”
Special pre-Christmas events in High Street will include a three-day festival, late night shopping and a ‘glitter’ parade. The shop window display competition will have the theme of Christmas trees, and Skinners will donate a barrel of beer to the winning trader.
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