A MAJOR milestone in the construction of the commercial heart of Newquay’s urban extension has been reached.

The first of the floor slabs for the new commercial units have been successfully poured for the Duchy of Cornwall’s Market Street at Nansledan, which will bring together food, retail, workspace and leisure in a vibrant, modern high street setting.

The first phase has seen around 140 tonnes of concrete laid using local Cornish supplier Fahey’s Concrete from St Austell. The work marks the first of a series of slabs that will be completed over the coming weeks as construction progresses across the site.

Market Street will deliver a dynamic mix of uses, including a Tesco supermarket, a Market Hall showcasing Cornish food and drink, independent retail units, community space and flexible workspace, all designed to create a year-round destination for residents, businesses and visitors.

The latest phase of construction builds on the earlier completion of extensive groundwork and piling and signals a visible transition as the project begins to rise above ground level.

Harry Greaves, Site Manager for the Duchy of Cornwall, said: “Pouring the first of the floor slabs is a huge milestone for the project and a real testament to the hard work of everyone on site, particularly after what has been one of the wettest and most challenging winters on record. The groundworks team has been brilliant and we’re incredibly grateful for their efforts.

“This stage allows us to really move the project forward. With further slabs being laid in the coming weeks, we’re preparing for the arrival of the steel frame in June, when people will really start to see Market Street taking shape above ground.”

Construction of Market Street represents a key step in the continued growth of Nansledan, which already includes around 900 homes and over 40 local businesses, with green open spaces including wildflower meadows, parkland, orchards, wetlands, ponds, community allotments, plus play areas and a skatepark.

The first phase of Market Steet including Tesco, Market Hall and five shop units will be completed next year. A second phase of 13 shop units, seven offices and a public courtyard, designed as a focal point for outdoor dining and community events, is targeted for completion at the end of 2028.

Units in Market Street range from start-up spaces of 23 sq m to larger units of up to 370 sq m.

The overall masterplan for Market Street includes a mix of residential homes, retail spaces, pubs/bars/cafes/restaurants, flexible food and retail spaces, amenity and leisure spaces for health and wellbeing, offices including a flexible/co-working space, play areas and green space.

A spokesperson said: “Market Street will be the beating heart of Nansledan’s blossoming community and will be one of the first high streets to have been built in this way for over 100 years.

“The focus for Market Street will be on commercial premises that encourage local artisans and businesses with their own unique character, focusing on leisure, health and wellbeing and the creation of community spaces that encourage social activity and vibrancy.”