Cornwall to build three workspace centres

Cornwall Council has announced £13m worth of building contracts for three new workspace centres that help the region’s economy grow.

According to the council, the three workspaces in Penzance, Liskeard and Hayle will play a key role in regenerating the town centres and boosting the local economy by enabling business growth, job creation and training opportunities.

Two of the developments will be supporting the fast-growing creative sector – already of huge importance to the economy of Cornwall.

The Penzance Creative Cluster will be a new 1,500m2 facility at Causewayhead which will provide up to 30 modern studios and workspaces for creative enterprises.

At Liskeard Cattle Market, the new workspace development is part of the larger regeneration programme which will transform the towns old cattle market site, which is partly derelict and under-used since the closure of the livestock market in 2017.

The third scheme is a 1,800m2 extension to the Hayle Marine Renewables Business Park, building on the success of the first phase which completed in 2015 and has reached full occupancy.

Each workspace will be built to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard and will minimise carbon emissions during both construction and operation.

Completion of the three new workspace schemes is expected in Summer 2022 and once operational, they are projected to add more than £3.7m annually to Cornwall’s economy.

‘These new workspaces will bring business and jobs to three areas and this is crucial in terms of the challenges our towns are facing,’ said Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for culture, economy and planning, Cllr Tim Dwelly.

‘The new workspaces will enable the creation of around 100 new jobs in sectors which are fast growing and at the core of Cornwall’s Local Industrial Strategy, ultimately increasing footfall to the town centres and supporting existing local businesses.’

Delivery of these projects will be supported by an investment of £8.7m being sought from the European Regional Development Fund and £7.7m of match-funding from Cornwall Council, as part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Programme.

Earlier this month, Cornwall Council welcomed the news that the Duchy will be hosting the international G7 summit in the summer.

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