MAJOR plans to build a new £5-million council hub in Newquay have been thrown into doubt.

Newquay central Cornwall councillor Joanna Kenny states she understands the authority has abandoned the plans to construct a purpose-built building on its Lanherne site used by Adult Education.

The unitary authority instead reportedly proposes to use existing accommodation such as Newquay Town Council offices in Marcus Hill to site its services.

The new council hub was due to cater for multiple services including the Family Hub, Child Development Centre, Safe and Well, Contact Centre, Adult Education, Registrars, as well as providing space for Cornwall Council staff to work and meet.

The development was earmarked to be a part of a wider masterplan for the Station Quarter area.

Cllr Kenny said: “My understanding is that the council hub is no longer being built.

“The council is looking at existing accommodation including coming back to the Marcus Hill building.

“It would have come full circle because the town council received the freehold from Cornwall Council, and a part of the building could be leased back to them.

“Cornwall Council is still looking at regenerating the railway station area.

“A feasibility study started about six months ago to produce a masterplan for the area.

“That will come back stating this is what we want to do, which could be a mixture of flats and shops. Grant funding would then be sought to build it.

“It could be a good thing that the council hub is not built there as it may not have fitted in with the masterplan.”

In a letter to a resident Cllr Kenny added: “The policy for hubs in Cornwall Council has changed and, as I understand it, any proposed hub buildings not commenced will not now take place, which includes Newquay.

“The approach is to use the existing buildings.

“For example, Cornwall Council will be using offices in the Marcus Hill municipal offices, owned by Newquay Town Council.

“There is a major development project being planned for the whole station area.

“Currently there is a study to develop a masterplan going on.”

Resident Lucy Williams believes it is a “disgrace” if Cornwall Council has abandoned its council hub plans for Newquay.

She said: “I have been trying to find information about the Newquay Integrated Service Hub announced by Cornwall Council a couple of years ago

“This was supposed to be a multi-million-pound investment for Newquay.

“It was designed, public have been consulted and planning permission was passed.

“It seems this major investment for Newquay has been cancelled on the quiet without anyone saying anything.

“The council have swept this under the carpet.

“Hundreds of thousands of pounds have already been spent and wasted.

“Liskeard has a new hub and now Newquay has yet again been abandoned.

“We were supposed to have new youth centre, new adult education centre, new family hub, all as part of the hub.

“This is an absolute disgrace.

“I think the public have a right to know.”

Previous Newquay central Cornwall councillor Louis Gardner stated at the time when the Newquay council hub project was announced that it demonstrated Cornwall Council “believes the town has a strategic part to play in the Duchy in the future.”

Cornwall Council has been approached for comment.