Areas of
Cornwall such as Falmouth, Camborne, Pool and Redruth, and Truro have received
significant investment in recent years and many people feel that St Austell has
been left behind.
So I was happy
to learn last year that there are over 70 projects in the pipeline in the St
Austell area that could help grow our local economy. The St Austell Bay Economic Forum (SABEF)
commissioned an investment report that summarized these projects and was
delivered late last year.
In order to
spread the word wider, SABEF is leading an exhibit at the Cornwall Chamber of
Commerce Business Fair at the Eden Project on 11th May 2016. There are then plans to move the exhibit to
other locations including St Austell town centre to ensure that as many people
as possible can see these exciting projects.
SABEF was
established to support economic growth and brings together local businesses,
community groups and councilors. So, the message for the Business Fair is that
St Austell is talking with one voice and is open for business. This is a far cry from two years ago and I am
delighted that we can give this message.
St Blaise
Town Council, Par Bay Big Local, Big Lottery Fund, St Austell Town Council,
Cornwall Council, The Environment Agency, St Austell Bay Chamber of Commerce,
St Austell BID, St Austell Brewery and my team are supporting the SABEF exhibit
in the run up to the Fair and representatives from these bodies and the major
projects will be in attendance on the day.
Obviously
each individual project has its supporters and opponents, and needs to stand on
its own merits. Many of these projects are well known; the Carlyon Bay
development and the West Carclaze Eco-community are two projects that have
received a lot of publicity. Less well
known are the heritage projects such as the plans for Luxulyan Valley and the
St Austell Market House.
New to many
people will be The St Austell Bay Resilient Regeneration project (STARR), which
aims to address the flooding issues in Par and St Blazey in unique and
innovative ways. The geothermal project
planned for Eden may also be new to many people.
Many of the
projects are in the process of applying for funding from a variety of sources
such as the LEP and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The exhibit will demonstrate to these funding bodies that St Austell is
serious about its future.
Both at the
exhibit and after, you will have a chance to have your say about "Brand St
Austell". We do not yet give a
consistent message to the outside world and some work on the brand could help.
The
Business Fair is free to attend, there is free parking and entry to the biomes
is also free that day. Pre-registration
is available at Eventbrite and tickets are also available on the day.
My team and I are
here to serve the whole constituency and seek to make a real difference to the
lives of everyone who needs help and support in any way. If there is any issue that we can help you
with then please contact us on either 01726 829379 or on office@stevedouble.org.uk.
