From Western Morning News 16th September 2010

2011 harbour work start date is possible

An impression of the Foundry cinema which will be located at the entrance to South Quay.

A footbridge from South Quay to Penpol Terrace and public space at the quay.

 

A generated image of people walking along the improved harbour area.

WORK to turn Hayle Harbour into an "upbeat social destination" could finally start as soon as next year, owner ING says.

The Dutch real estate business launched a three-day public exhibition in the town centre today to show residents what their revised plans entail. They are proposing to build a supermarket, cinema, housing, a restaurant and shops on land at South Quay.

"South Quay has been brought forward to be the first phase of the harbour regeneration," a spokesman for the company reaffirmed.

"This flagship destination will provide a wide mix of new and vibrant uses that will open the area to all. It will include stylish houses and apartments, a cinema, a modern food store, free car parking and a new footbridge to Penpol Terrace.

"It will also have a superb viewing point on the tip, looking down the estuary made famous by the artist John Miller. Boats will be moored alongside over half a mile of restored historic harbour walls and the quayside will have stylish benches and seats, modern illumination and contemporary balustrades."

ING presented their outline master plan for Hayle Harbour in 2008 and with certain modifications it was subsequently approved in 2009.

It gained outline planning consent last year but ING now admits that due to the escalating costs and the global economic downturn, the company had to make changes to the plans if the target of being on site and working on the project from 2011 was to be met.

A spokesman continued: "Quite simply, the works require more money than previously expected and the costs incurred to date are higher than anyone would ever have anticipated.

"We need to bring South Quay forward in our plans to anchor the scheme and be the development flagship."

It is thought that the company is hoping to file its revised outline planning application later this month and subject to an approval the company could be on the site by autumn 2011.

The public exhibition takes place at the White Hart Hotel in Hayle between September 16 and 18 from 10.30am to 5pm (3.00pm Saturday).