High Hopes for Docks Redevelopment
Falmouth Docks Potential Redevelopment area
The recently-announced redevelopment scheme proposed for Falmouth Docks has been welcomed in principle by Falmouth Civic Society's Chairman as "vital for the future of Falmouth".
In his report to members at the Society's annual general meeting, Chairman Robin Momber expressed his hope that what was essentially a derelict part of Falmouth Docks would be transformed into a thriving modern complex along the lines of the ports at Freemantle and Capetown, where restaurants, museums, marinas and events areas had been built without damaging the original character of the 19th and 20th century buildings.
The "most important event of the year", however, was the development of the Moor project, in which the Society had taken such a leading role. The responsibility for deciding on how to use the new area now lay with the Town Council, which unfortunately appeared to lack the necessary funds and staff.
Mr Momber was not satisfied with arrangements being made to accommodate the increase in visitors to Falmouth expected when the Maritime Museum eventually opens. The Ponsharden Park and Ride would probably not be ready in time and the compromise solution in relation to the pedestrianisation of Market, Church and Arwenack Street - abolishing the mid-day loading and unloading period and closing the streets from 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.- was also "quite inadequate". "Our shopping streets must be kept clear of commercial vehicles during shopping hours if we are to attract visitors in the numbers we hope", he said. The level of air pollution even exceeded that of some central London streets at times. Falmouth could not "opt out" of the need to reduce the number of cars parking in the town centre, to increase capacity at the Quarry car park or to run an efficient, modern bus service between the Quarry and the Moor.
Other issues causing concern included the J. D. Weatherspoon plc planning application for the "Market on the Moor" building, which was "completely unsuitable" for the location. The Society was pursuing the matter "at the highest level", not being satisfied with the way it had been handled by the planning authority. An application for outline planning permission to build flats on the site of the 120-year-old Admiral Nelson Pub was also cause for concern.
There was some "good news", however, on the heritage front. Work carried out as a result of the Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme - which runs until the end of next year - had been carried out at Well Lane steps, Upton Slip and 33 the High Street and there was more to come.
Finally Mr Momber thanked the whole committee for their hard work during the past year
Not the Harbourside Again...
This subject keeps coming back to haunt us, taunt us or enthuse us depending upon your standpoint Despite all the talking , setting up of committees, appointment of consultants and commissioning of reports, the town seems no nearer to agreeing upon the type of development that should take place at the Harbourside. The Implementation group, comprising Carrick District Council, the Harbour Commissioners and the RDA is looking at ways of bringing about a development but details are shrouded in secrecy. The Executive Committee remain of the view (stated in last year’s Newsletter) that modest development in keeping with the scale of the town should take place on Church Street car park with a walkway linking to Prince of Wales pier. This proposal was set out in the drawing which was prominently displayed at last year’s AGM and at subsequent meetings.
But What Of The Docks
Surely the redevelopment of Falmouth Docks is of greater importance to the town and in view of the need to protect employment it should be at the top of the local authorities’ and Town Forum’s agendas. This is the part of the town suitable for large scale development not the Harbourside with its limited space and difficulty of access.
New Traffic Scheme
Traffic orders were recently introduced in the main streets to prohibit through traffic and limit access to use of Church Street car park and other permitted purposes respectively during the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This was in response to the serious levels of pollution in Market Street, Church Street and Arwenack Street. We hope most people using the town centre feel that the scheme has improved the environment for shoppers and others. However, there is a worry that the novelty is wearing off insofar as we have noticed that more and more vehicles are driving through these streets without going into the car park or visiting premises in the town centre. We would welcome the views of any members as to the effectiveness of the scheme, and suggestions as to how it could be improved.
And Rubbish
A lot of exciting things are happening in Falmouth, and we should be looking for a boost to tourism. However, the town may be letting itself down by failing to deal with litter deposited by the few who care little for civic pride. We need some new initiatives to encourage people to take pride in the town, and any ideas from members in this regard would be welcome (provided they're legal). In view of the menace from gulls residents should put their refuse in bins, or protect black plastic sacks with old blankets, sheets or by other means when putting their refuse out for collection.
The Admiral Nelson
This wonderful pub is situated in Bar Road near to the Docks entrance and was threatened with demolition by the owners who wished to develop the site and build more flats. Unfortunately, the premises were just outside the Conservation Area and were without any statutory protection. We were horrified when we heard of the proposal to demolish this historic inn which was originally known as the “Dock and Railway Hotel” and dates from at least 1861. We were in the forefront of moves to save this historic property pressing Carrick District Council to extend the Conservation Area to include it and requesting the Department of Culture to spot list the building. Although we weren’t able to persuade the Department of Culture , Carrick decided to enlarge the Conservation Area to include the property, thus ensuring the need for planning permission to demolish the building. This. we hope, will not be given save in connection with a scheme that would greatly enhance the site.
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