Opponents of a controversial development, which has been dubbed a “monstrosity” and “gross over-development”, have revealed an alternative scheme, which they hope will get the backing of local stakeholders, including Cornwall councillors, the town council and the wider community.
Cornwall Council’s development company Treveth is seeking permission to build 37 homes and eight commercial spaces including a pavilion building in the Coinagehall area of Penzance.
The company also wants to make what it says will be improvements to St Anthony Gardens and other public realm works on the town’s seafront near the celebrated Jubilee Pool.
The plans have split opinion in the town with many people believing the development would be “horrendous” and a “lifeless monstrosity” which would destroy the heritage and green aspect of the gardens.
Others, such as Penzance-based Cornwall councillor Tim Dwelly, believe the plans will improve the gardens and deliver much-needed homes in the town.
Thirty per cent of the properties are classed as affordable for local people, while the remaining 70 per cent would be sold on the open market but for people with a connection to the area.
A protest was held outside the offices of Penzance Town Council in December when, after much discussion, its planning committee voted to object to the plans.
Opponents held banners accusing the proposals of turning Penzance into Benidorm – “No to Penidorm” – and demanded “Penzance deserves better” and “Protect PZ’s history”.
The proposals have also received over 270 letters of objection from the public.
The developer is now working with local stakeholders to try and address some of the objections raised by the town council (including the effect on the character of the area), but a group of opponents in Penzance say an alternative option should now be considered given the risk of losing significant government funding.
The group of locals, who are backed by Penzance Civic Society, say their alternative proposal for the seafront site fulfils all the criteria outlined in the original development brief, but also creates a destination which will drive the local economy and uphold the historic character of the town.
With an overall theme of “health, happiness and well-being”, the scheme includes the creation of a new open space called Battery Square, suitable for public events and regular markets.
It also involves the rejuvenation of the existing St Anthony Garden with eco-friendly leisure facilities including wood-fired saunas and hot tubs, the development of affordable homes on Quay Street and a new Pavilion for Penzance which would host cultural and community events, including exhibitions and activities working in close partnership with Jubilee Pool and other local cultural venues.
Gerry Penrose, chair of Penzance Civic Society, said: “The alternative proposal feels like a breath of fresh air. The scheme would provide affordable housing, a new public events space and it responds to the thousands who petitioned for retention of a People’s Gallery on the location.”
Renowned creative designer Martin Nixon, for many years one of the team behind the rejuvenation of Jubilee Pool, added: “Like so many others I was disheartened by the Treveth proposal.
“In my view it’s simply a gross over-development of our prime seafront location, and given they are owned by Cornwall Council it’s shocking that their scheme does so little for the local community.
“I wanted to help develop a viable community-driven scheme which provides a real catalyst for future regeneration.
“This key site belongs to the people of the town and the Treveth scheme does nothing to reflect its historic role as ‘a playground for Penzance’ – a distinctive destination for locals and visitors alike.”
More details of the alternative plans
Battery Square
A new public events space in the heart of the harbour – inspired by the original Battery Square once located close to the site – would create a flexible open-air venue for regular markets, festivals and complement other annual events such as Golowan and Quay Fair.
“Enhancing the existing hospitality businesses adjacent to the location, Battery Square would drive footfall to the prominent Barbican location, creating a new public space with historic significance for both the people of Penzance and visitors to gather, celebrate and play.”
St Anthony Garden
The existing garden would be replanted and rejuvenated to create a natural place for relaxation and leisure. An “imaginative sensory planting scheme” taking full advantage of the south-westerly facing site would create a sub-tropical oasis for people to gather and relax.
A number of wood-fired saunas and hot tubs, seaweed baths and leisure activities such as boules/petanque and table tennis would create a calm and green family-friendly space for public events such as Golowan and Quay Fair Day, with temporary food and beverage kiosks drawing footfall to the location, according to the group behind the proposals..
Social homes
The Community Land Trust would develop the residential element of the site in partnership with a specialist developer of social homes, funding the project through private and public investment.
“Demolition of the warehouses and workshops at the rear of the existing garage building would create a large brownfield site suitable for residential redevelopment as homes/workspace for local people, i.e. one and two bedroom homes for rent, alongside live-work units for small craft and maker businesses, together with a small number of retail units on Quay Street to reinstate the link between Chapel Street and the harbour.”
A Pavilion for Penzance
Celebrating “health, happiness and well-being” and overlooking Battery Square, St Anthony Garden and Jubilee Pool, The Pavilion would create a backdrop for all activities around the location.
“The showroom element of the existing garage building would be rejuvenated to provide flexible leisure and event space, with the potential of a third storey added to create a café/restaurant featuring panoramic views over Mount’s Bay.
“Rejuvenating and complementing the architectural style of both Jubilee Pool and the Yacht Inn, the Pavilion would play a key role in recreating a distinctive and stylish Art Deco quarter for Penzance.”