Work starts next week on Fore St

Last updated: 11/07/2011 Add to My Bookmarks Subscribe

Work will start next week on a £1.3m scheme to redevelop St Austell Town Centre that has been welcomed by local businesses, St Austell Town Council and local Cornwall Councillors.

Major street works will see the current street surface replaced with Cornish granite paving and improved drainage. This will help to create a street environment which is much more attractive for shoppers and visitors alike.

The regeneration of Fore Street will complete the majority of the town centre improvements which were started with White River Place and should enable the town centre to compete with other retail centres.

Jenny Stewart, Cornwall Councillor for Gover ward, said: “I welcome the start of these works – I am sure it will bring many benefits to the town centre and put us in a much better place to compete in the future. It has taken a lot of hard work and lobbying to secure this investment for St Austell and I’m pleased the traders I have spoken to welcome this work.”

Chris Ridgers, cabinet member for Economy and Regeneration at Cornwall Council said: “The redevelopment of Fore Street in St Austell is a priority for Cornwall Council because it builds upon the significant private sector investment in recent years. We want to make sure that the benefits are felt throughout the town centre and Fore Street is the final piece of the jigsaw. A thriving town centre will be a driver for the economy of the area and for business confidence.”

The works will start on 18 July and last approximately 10 months. Helen Nicholson, Community Network Manager, said: “We recognise that there will be disruption whilst these works take place. However, pedestrian access and access to shops will be maintained as much as possible and certainly during opening hours. We have been to speak to all traders in Fore Street and we will be liaising with them regularly. Information about the scheme will be posted in the Town Council notice board. I am confident that the contractors, Cormac, understand the need to keep the town centre functioning well.”

Story posted 11 July 2011