Hi all,
Debs, St Austell Town Centre Manager here!! Jo has asked me to be guest author on the Cornwall Retail Network so here goes!!
Most of you may be aware that St Austell is going through a major regeneration project at the moment which has caused a lot of ups and downs for retailers within the town centre, with the closure of the Cinema decreasing weekend footfall. Negativity throughout the town is widespread but I try my hardest to keep everyone happy. The new development will bring 20 new names into the town, we can boast having the first Starbucks and Wilkinsons in Cornwall. New Look are relocating to a store 3 times their original footprint so for some, and with provision of a brand new 4 Screen multiplex Cinema, this new scheme is a major step forward for the town. We are still waiting for a decision on Anchor Retailer, lots of whispers, but nothing confirmed. Once work has commenced, 200 to 300 local people will be employed, with 500 to 700 being employed once the development is complete.
Civic Pride enhancement works are improving the streetscape of the town, with new granite footways/roadways and improvement of the gateways into the town. Using local material and local workers.
Projects that are being worked on for the town is getting Fairtrade Status. Working with Eden and the Fairtrade Foundation, we are hoping along with Truro, we can promote and increase the number of retailers stocking Fairtrade goods. We will be having a big community event to tie in with Fairtrade Fortnight in March 2008. Best Bar None which has just been rolled out in Carrick is another boroughwide project being worked on with Guy, Newquay Town Centre Manager. If you don't know BBN is a Quality Assured Scheme for Licensed Premises. We want all premises to apply for this mark, we will roll it over the 2 town centres first then extend it to the whole borough.
Late Night Shopping starts on 27th November, then 4th, 11th and 18th December. If you think you knew St Austell then come in and have another look. Bob McReadie from Pirate FM will be switching the lights on, snow is guaranteed with with snow machine, plus we have lots of musical and street entertainment. We are running a 12 days of Christmas competition with Pirate FM so listen in and you may even win a prize. Starts 3rd December. www.staustelltown.co.uk has all information about the town so why not visit!!
Signing off for now but will be back Debs
