Local people in Penzance have today set out “radical” plans for how they intend to drive growth, jobs and prosperity in the town.
They are part of over 100 ‘coastal community teams’ that were created by the Government across the country last year and given a share of £1.18 million to help drive forward coastal areas growth.
The plans lay out practical steps including reshaping and revitalising Penzance town centre by bringing the Market House back into use as a social enterprise and civic hub, using shared spaces to create a more pedestrian friendly town and bringing vacant premises back into use as quality work and office space for the digital and creative industries, and as town centre housing.
The plans will also improve Penzance and Newlyn harbours to support development and expansion of value added marine leisure, marine engineering and fishing activities with related employment and skills development opportunities for the local workforce.
There will also be the creation of a continuous cycle and pedestrian route along the seafront from Marazion to Mousehole including improvements to Penzance promenade and the creation of a public realm around Penzance Harbour and Jubilee Pool.
Communities Secretary, Greg Clark, said that Penzance’s work is “proof coastal communities are ready for economic lift-off”.
He said: “Our Great British Coast has enormous economic potential and we are determined to see it thrive all year round – not just in the summer months.
“The huge number of plans submitted, demonstrate the wave of optimism, and wealth of creative and practical ideas to boost economic lift-off.
“I now want to see their hard work and enthusiasm come to fruition by helping to deliver their ideas through the Coastal Community teams.”
Susan Stuart, chair of the Penzance Neighbourhood Plan and Coastal Community Team member, added: “These plans substantially reflect the emerging Neighbourhood Plan for Penzance and have been subject to a parish-wide consultation process which showed overwhelming support for the key initiatives.
“They will make Penzance a destination to live and work in for years to come.”
