18.12.07
Phase II of St Austell Civic Pride works will begin in January

CORMAC has been awarded the contract, following competitive tendering, for the second phase of the Civic Pride works in St Austell.

Following consultation, funding made available from savings from the initial phase has allowed CORMAC to begin work on site in January.

The project is funded by the St Austell Civic Pride Partnership, which consists of Objective One, the South West of England Regional Development Agency, Restormel Borough Council and Cornwall County Council.

The works, in line with the St Austell Civic Pride Initiative Design Report, will focus on Biddick’s Court, High Cross Street and Cemetery Park.

Arthur Hooper, CORMAC Operations Director said: “We are delighted to have secured the second phase of the St Austell Civic Pride works which now enables CORMAC to continue with its operations in St Austell. We are well on schedule to complete the first phase works on time and to budget. Although the next phase will be very challenging we will be working very hard to meet the tight deadline.

“CORMAC employ a local workforce, and are glad to be able to use local materials and labour within the Civic Pride works, which will enhance the living environment and improve the public realm.”

Councillor Annette Egerton, Restormel Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Regeneration said: “I am really pleased that the second phase of Civic Pride is to go ahead after Christmas and that the work will continue using mainly local labour and materials. The Borough Council will now be planning an important scheme for Fore Street with our partners which we hope to commence in the autumn of 2008.”

Biddick’s Court, as the main thoroughfare between the main town centre car park and the shops, is to receive a substantial facelift generating a pleasant public space, complemented with trees, seating and feature lighting. It is hoped that this will facilitate consideration for street cafés and markets. Access for deliveries and to private off-highway parking will remain.

High Cross Street will receive wider, granite paved footways with raised, table-top crossing points and provision of short term parking opposite the Post Office. A new footway will be created on the eastern side adjacent to Cemetery Park, allowing enhancement of the park entry points.

In Cemetery Park, some of the boundary wall will be replaced with railings. The use of decorative gating, careful thinning and tidying of the existing trees will result in a more open and therefore safer aspect to the area. The park will also benefit from a new network of paths, seating and lighting to complete its makeover. Works at the western entry gate have yet to be agreed with local residents.

Ian Whale, Cornwall Regeneration Manager for the South West RDA said: “This is the 2nd phase of the Civic Pride scheme which will further enhance another important area of the town between the main car park and town centre, through Biddick’s Court. The area outside the main Post Office will be made more pedestrian friendly and the Park will be considerably enhanced as a public amenity for everyone to enjoy.”

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Objective One Partnership said: “Every town’s character can play an important role in underpinning its economic vitality. As part of its strategy the Objective One Programme has been investing in our key towns as drivers of prosperity. By investing in St Austell we are giving the area a new lease of life and attracting new business.”

For further information please contact Beverly Hill, Communications Officer, Strategic Planning and Transport/Economy, Cornwall County Council on 01872 322512 or email bhill@cornwall.gov.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the St Austell Civic Pride project through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Editor's notes:

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
The Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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