Taylor welcomes town centre opening

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St Austell’s new town centre is set to be a stunning success, according to local MP Matthew Taylor after thousands of local people attended today’s stage one opening.

Matthew Taylor MP took a leading role in ensuring the project was successfully completed, stepping in to overcome problems caused by Tesco’s refusal to sell their part of the site early on, and successfully negotiating a multi million pound government investment without which the scheme could not have gone ahead. Taylor has been closely involved with the project team, and said that the quality of what has been delivered exceeded his hopes.

He said: “Thousands of people turned out today to celebrate this opening, which is breathing new life into the development. Because my three year old son Arthur is currently having chemotherapy at Great Ormond Street hospital, I was unable to be there in person, which was very disappointing after years of work on the project. However that is more than made up for by the fantastic quality of the development and the enthusiasm of the public. We are beginning to see the complete rejuvenation of St Austell town centre which I am sure will go from strength to strength.

“The recent economic climate has made retail lettings hard to achieve but over the next few months I know that people will see all the units taken up, and the much needed affordable housing completed. Not only will we see the completion of the scheme early next year, but I am confident that people will see the knock on positive impact on the other retail areas in the town centre for which I know there are already a number of schemes in progress, and investments planned. It has taken too many years, and added more than a few grey hairs, but I am proud of what I have been able to help achieve.”

Taylor confirmed that he has been working over a long period to support efforts to bring in national quality retailers and is continuing that work as the scheme is completed.

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