Via http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/Retail-park-mean-pound-30m-investment-ar...

Retail park 'would mean a £30m investment for area'

Thursday, January 23, 2014

The Cornishman

AMBITIOUS plans for a multimillion-pound shopping park which could see retail giants move into Hayle have been submitted to Cornwall Council.

Cranford Developments is hoping to get permission for eight retail units on a site near Marsh Lane.

It says the scheme would create up to 500 jobs and attract tenants including Debenhams, H&M and TK Maxx.

The plans also include improvements to the A30, new cycling routes and better pedestrian links.

Cranford exhibited its proposals to local residents in September and more than 900 people submitted their views, with 94 per cent of responses supporting the plans.

Bill Oakley, chairman of Cranford Developments, said: "We've had a fantastic response from local people and have listened carefully to their suggestions.

"This scheme will bring more than £30 million of investment to west Cornwall, providing hundreds of jobs and a boost for the local economy.

"The scheme will also bring many community benefits, including an enhanced nature reserve and significant improvements to the A30."

Cranford had adapted the plans in response to suggestions, he said, incorporating traffic-calming on the road into Angarrack, a pedestrian crossing on the A30 and improvements to the green buffer zone. Requests for a dedicated staff parking bay would also be added to the scheme, as would more customer parking and improvements to the design of the storefronts.

Should Cornwall Council approve the plans, the developer will also be expected to help with future town centre management initiatives in Hayle.

Cranford developed the West Cornwall Shopping Park in 2006 and said its plans for the surrounding area would offer a greater choice of shopping for local residents.

More than 350 people have expressed an interest in working at the retail park, which would also house Mountain Warehouse and Outfit, whose brands include Miss Selfridge, Oasis, Topshop and Warehouse, among others.

Debenhams acquisitions manager Gareth Dougherty said it would be a great opportunity for Hayle.

"We've been looking for a new store in west Cornwall for five years," he said. "We believe this site meets our requirements perfectly."

If the plans are approved, the developer says work should start this autumn, with the stores set to open in autumn 2015. The plans can be viewed and commented on at www.cornwall.gov.uk