The building of a new project to provide high-quality workspaces for businesses in the creative sector has started at the top of Causewayhead in Penzance.
The project is being funded by Cornwall Council and the European Regional Development Fund, and aims to offer more than 1,500m² of studio units and tenancies for a range of creative businesses – from visual artists and potters, to architects and digital media companies. There will also be space for collaboration, informal meetings, networking and hot desking.
Following comments from the public and the Cornwall design review panel the height and scale of the proposed building were adjusted, and Cornwall councillors unanimously approved the development in June 2020.
Stephen Rushworth, the council’s portfolio-holder for the economy, said:
“This dedicated workspace will help encourage collaboration and innovation for businesses in a sector that is fast-growing within the Cornish economy. “It is crucial that we bring businesses and jobs to our town centres if we are to revitalise our high streets, which is why the Penzance Creative Cluster is not only great news for creative businesses, but for the town centre too.”
Mark Jones, operational director at builder Midas Construction, said:
“As a Cornwall-based business, we are delighted to work with Cornwall Council on this exciting regeneration project, kick-start the regeneration of the town and using the construction phase to maximise opportunities for employment through our local supply chain.”
You can find out more about the project and the overarching Penzance Creative Cluster in the video below: