Penzance Chamber of Commerce

• Marina Development gets Chamber backing
• Anti-crime caravan well received
• Wharfside Shopping Centre now 1 year old
• Golowan 2000
• Citizens Advice Bureau AGM
• New Members
• June Meeting

Marina development gets backing from Chamber

Penzance Chamber of Commerce is to launch a campaign to drum up public support for ambitious plans to redevelop the town’s harbour

Mayor Jack Aitken in April revealed his vision of a new marina and called for politics and parochialism to be thrown out of the window. Now the business group is throwing its full weight behind him and mounting a 'Say Yes To Penzance Harbour Development' sticker campaign.

"The idea is to build up public support for this and get the information out in advance of any thing going before town and district councils," says Chamber chairman Mike Waters. Mr Waters is himself a member of the recently formed eight-strong working group currently working on draft proposals.

Preliminary drawings - which were originally unveiled at a 'brain storming’ session in April before public and private groups and individuals - include a redevelopment of the Isles of Scilly passenger and freight terminal, incorporating a 200-berth marina, dry dock, fish farm and sea defences. Also incorporated in the plans are a ship museum and surgery.

Although several other ideas have also been floated, Mr Waters says the Chamber sees redeveloping the harbour - which it is hoped could attract Objective 1 funding - as the main hope for Penzance's economic re-generation. "It would provide the jobs that are being lost in fishing and other industries. If this fell into place then everything else would."

Alongside the sticker campaign, the Chamber is also considering starting a petition to show support as well as a small scale boat show. Added Mr Waters: "The more people support this, the more likely Penwith Council is to rubber stamp this."

Mr Aitken said he was delighted with the support: "The thing with this project is it that it covers so many issues."

Anti-crime caravan well received

The Neighbourhood Watch caravan "IT" is being well received in the Penwith villages. "IT" has visited St Just, Sennen, Marazion, Rosudgeon, and most recently by request St Buryan.

The visit to St Buryan was the best yet, as "IT" was attended by councillors and local residents. Jan Garrison says "The community spirit was superb", we even had tea supplied by a local business, which was very welcome. The mobile caravan was manned by P.C. Steve Rowell (Crime Prevention), P.C. Chris Furse (Community Liaison Officer) and Jan and John Garrison (Trustees).

Advice on Neighbourhood Watch and Crime Prevention was at hand, also personal attack alarms, and shed/garage alarms were available at preferential prices.

The next Penwatch magazine (3rd issue) will be out at the end of July. Coordinators please remember to collect your supply for your neighbours and friends. Some magazines will be left in your local shops for you to collect at your leisure.

Wharfside Shopping Centre - a gateway to Penzance - now 1 year old

As part of the planned regeneration of Penzance, the newly opened Wharfside Shopping Centre is conveniently located adjacent to Penzance Rail and Bus stations, and offers by its design a modern, safe and convenient way of gaining access to Market Jew Street, by means of 2 lifts, 2 escalators or the traditional granite harbour steps that all lead up from the Harbour Car Park with 800 plus car parking spaces. While the architecture reflects the local vernacular to ensure that the development blends in and merges with the town centre of Penzance, Wharfside's unique location gives it commanding and remarkable views across Mounts Bay to St Michael's Mount and beyond to The Lizard as well as Penzance Harbour and the local area.

In keeping with the original concept of increasing the retail offer of the town centre, Wharfside Shopping Centre is home to a number of multiple and independent retailers, making it a shopping environment with something for everyone, set out on three levels.

There are names such as Littlewoods, Argos, Bodyshop, Peacocks and Select, as well as MVC offering music and video (and a whole lot more) and Electronics Boutique catering for the computer and video game enthusiasts. For the more energetic there is South Shore Surf & Skate, Gilesports and Pedals Cycle Hire. Other specialist shops include Julian Graves, Thorntons chocolate heaven since 1811; Claws & Paws for all your pets needs; The Living Word; The Cornish Stitch Shop and The Flowerpot. At the Wharf Road level for your shopping you will find Iceland, W. Stevenson & Co. Fish Boutique and Lentern's Family Butcher who will be opening soon.

Wharfside also offers a wide choice of dining venues with Littlewoods restaurant's bright modern environment with views across the sea and harbour, serving everything from light snacks to a full meal, or Warrens Coffee Shop at the Market Jew Street entrance. Choughs Café also offers a wide selection of hot and cold food from the Anchorage Community Centre on the 1st Floor. The Renaissance Cafe will shortly be opening and will offer a fully licensed restaurant with its own spectacular, open terraced views over Mounts Bay and the local area.

Why not relax and enjoy a meal or shopping whilst placing the children in the fully equipped Creche on the 1st Floor with our qualified NNEB staff to keep them amused in a safe, stimulating and friendly environment. Drop in anytime 9.30am to 4.00pm or call our Creche manager Sue Waters on 01736-351792 for further information.

Golowan 2000

This is the 10th anniversary of Golowan, and there is an awful lot going on this year!

The early morning banner rig has become one of Golowan's important traditions, and is a special part of Mazey Day, Saturday, June 24th. Please get involved and turn up at the forecourt of St Johns Hall at 6am. You will be rewarded with croissants, saffron buns, brandy and coffee.

There are no requirements or experience necessary. Ladders are always needed, and if you have one, or could help with transport, please get in touch: John Voogd 01736-731026, Anna Murphy 01736-731339, or get in touch with the Festival Office on 01736-332211 or 331933.

Citizens Advice Bureau AGM

The Citizens Advice Bureau are holding their AGM on Tuesday, July 18 at the Guildhall, Penzance. The Chamber is usually represented by Sally Bodinar, but unfortunately, due to the pressure of business, she will be unable to attend. If anyone is interested in representing the Chamber, please contact Yvonne Neale on 01736-719222.

New Members

We are pleased to welcome three new members to the Chamber. They are:

July Meeting

The next Chamber Meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 4th at the Queens Hotel, The Promenade, Penzance at 7.30pm.

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PENZANCE - THE PLACE TO BE

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