22.03.02
 

Restormel Regeneration Partnership helps St Austell’s regeneration ‘Master Plan’ win funding from Objective One

The development of a long-term regeneration plan for St Austell Town Centre has got the ‘thumbs–up’ from Objective One, to the tune of £20,000.

The £40,000 project will provide a framework for the integrated and sustainable regeneration of the area, with the immediate outcome being to bring together and co-ordinate a number of initiatives which are at present at various stages of planning, such as the £40 million re-development of the town centre, the Urban Village project, and the influence of the Eden Project. The South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) and Restormel Borough Council are also providing funds.

Christine Bainbridge, Integrated Area Plan (IAP) Programme Manager with Restormel Regeneration Partnership, who is the applicant for the project, is delighted. "The Master Plan, through consultation, will produce a long-term, joined-up, strategy for economic, social and environmental schemes to meet local needs, building on the existing and potential strengths of St Austell. This approach will provide an efficient use of resources for the maximum increase in the prosperity and welfare for those that live and work in the town."

Keith Everitt, Regeneration Officer with Restormel Borough Council, who is a member of the team at ‘The Engine House’ in Aylmer Square, is similarly enthusiastic:"Community development will be at the centre of the plan and so ‘The Engine House’ will become a hub for community involvement and information as the plan is put together. Its important that both those living in the centre of St Austell, together with those in outlying areas are aware of the developments – what’s good for St Austell is good for everyone in Restormel."

Stephen Bohane, Head of Operations for the South West Regional Development Agency said, "The RDA is investing heavily in St Austell both through the redevelopment of the town centre and the proposed urban village on Carlyon Road, while our investment at the Eden Project, which is £6milion to date, is ongoing. Our support for the master plan will ensure that all these and any future developments are seen within a broader regeneration context of social and economic regeneration in the St Austell area."

Oxford-based consultants Scott Wilson, who have offices in Plymouth and St Austell, have won the contract to produce the plan and it is hoped that the first draft will be ready in July. Louise Thomas, who will be managing the project, commented: "The multi-disciplinary team, which includes a number of local companies, will look at St Austell from a regional perspective as well as at a ‘grass roots’ community level. With this range of expertise to hand, we hope to offer a plan that will excite and inspire St Austell and the surrounding communities."

For further information
Katrina Waters
Administration Officer, RRP IAP team
Tel: 01726 623735
E-mail: Katrina@rrp.org.uk

 

Editors notes:

  • The long-term development plan for St Austell, which will provide a blue print for regeneration and redevelopment in St Austell, will provide an action-plan which addresses the constraints to economic development and job creation in the major Cornish Towns, that were clearly defined in the Objective One single Programming Document, namely:

    - Piecemeal, uncoordinated development
    - Absence of credible master plans
    - Insufficient resources to tackle problems in an holistic manner
  • St Austell has experienced a significant increase in the number of visitors and the associated traffic problems as a result of the Eden Project. The plan will identify initiatives to ensure that the town is able to capitalise fully on its proximity to Eden
  • The plan will also identify future potential socio-economic schemes that will build on the present planned initiatives, providing clear vision and direction, and a realistic investment plan.
  • Key strategic objectives of the St Austell Integrated Area Plan (IAP) include ‘to capitalise on the potential for the area to become a major focus for commerce and tourism’ and ‘to develop and enhance employment opportunities within the area’. Undoubtedly the preparation of this plan will provide the framework of action needed to deliver these key objectives and complement the IAP in providing greater detail in terms of specific actions needed in St Austell town to produce holistic development which impacts positively on infrastructure, business and people.

    Restormel Regeneration Partnership

  • Integrated Area Plans (IAPs) are the way in which Objective One can help communities. These are the plans that integrate the economic, social and environmental aspects of the Objective One programme into a framework for use in a specific area. There are eleven plans throughout Cornwall, three of which (St Austell Bay, China Clay Area, and Newquay & its Rural Hinterland) are covered by Restormel.
  • The Objective One funded Integrated Area Plan team was established in February 2001 to deliver the three IAPs for Restormel. It can help with developing and supporting community based projects who wish to apply for Objective One funding.

     

    		•

    Jason Clark
    Communications Manager
    Objective One Partnership Office
    Castle House
    Pydar Street
    Truro TR1 2UD
    Tel:01872 241379
    Fax:01872 241388
    jason@dclark.co.uk