Penzance Chamber of Commerce

Wharfside Shopping Centre

Affirming the precedence for the proposed marina development in Penzance harbour, the Wharfside Shopping Centre heralds a new commercial phase in the town's history.

Objective One funding has provided Penzance with the opportunity to harness its potential as the gateway to the Isles of Scilly and to reclaim its status as a port town; an opportunity recognised and promoted by the Chamber of Commerce. Matched by investment from the private sector, European funding utilised for the creation of a marina in Penzance is viewed as an effective means toward increased employment, expansion of an existing tourism industry, as well as future growth for hotels, restaurants and other facilities catering for an increased visitor level to the town.

The Wharfside Shopping Centre, overlooking Penzance harbour, is the latest development in what will surely become an increased commercial prosperity for Penzance. Providing an elegant setting for major retailers such as Littlewoods, Argos and Iceland, the Centre plays host to a range of stores with something for everyone. As well as the high-street stores, the centre plays host to many local traders who have either opened new businesses or expanded. Recently opened is the Renaissance Cafe', which provides spectacular views over the harbour and Mounts Bay that can be taken in whether one is enjoying a cup of coffee or an Italian meal.

The harbour car-park is an ideal base not only to shop in the Wharfside Centre but also to access the rest of the shops in town.

A real benefit to all parents wishing to enjoy a relaxed shopping experience in the town is The Creche, situated on the second floor of the Centre. The Creche is staffed by fully qualified and experienced staff, and caters for children from the ages of 2 to 5. The cost is only £2 per hour, and it is open from 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Saturday. The Creche is also available for private hire for parties, where children of all ages can have fun in a safe environment. A pager system operates to enable parents to be contacted if they are needed. Their telephone number is 01736-351792. A voucher is printed in the current edition of the Cornishman newspaper. Why not use the above voucher to make use of the Creche next time you are in town and want a few hours to relax, do the shopping, have a coffee, or buy the children's Christmas presents without them being around!

The Wharfside Centre now has its own website www.wharfsideshopping.co.uk. Why not visit the site to see what is on offer.

Christmas Lights Fund Auction

The Auction held at the Alexandra Inn on the 22nd September was a great success. The auctioneer was Phillip Pearce, whose wit and banter helped the evening go with a swing, and he worked very hard in raising the grand total of £ 1,110 for the Christmas Lights and the League of Friends. Mike and Frankie of the Alexandra also put in a lot of work and gathered many good items for the auction, helping to make the lots more interesting. Thank you to everyone for their help including all the traders who donated items.

The Bath Inn on Thursday October 26th will see the last Quiz Night of this year. There will be a competition to choose the Queen of the Lights and her two attendants. This will be held at the Wharfside Shopping Centre on Saturday November 26th. Children from the age of 6 to 12 will be able to enter, and there will be more details on next month's page. Contact Hazel Trembath 01736-361378 or Vicki White 01736-332120 for more details.

Traffic Calming in Newlyn

Proposed traffic calming works in Newlyn were strongly objected to by Chamber members at the last meeting. Local councillors, John Payne and Roger Harding have called for an immediate intervention by the chief executive of Penwith District Council, Jim McKenna. Mr Harding says that this is the latest in a long line of incidents when Cornwall County Council has failed to consult local councillors and local councils.

Unwanted Faxes

Anyone receiving unwanted faxes can get them stopped by contacting Facsimile Preference Service on 0207-766-4422 or fax 0207-976-1886. There is no charge, and unwanted faxes should cease within 28 days.

Contact with Town Council

The Chamber and Penzance Town Council want to have better contact, and it has been agreed that a Town Councillor will attend the monthly Chamber meetings. Cllr R.M. Lawrence attended the last meeting, standing in for Cllr D.J.Axford.

Neighbourhood Watch Christmas Draw

Please collect your Penwatch magazine which comes out at the end of the month, and complete the entry form inside. Completed entries must be received at Penzance Police Station by Thursday 7th December. The draw will be made by commander Scott Senior on Friday 8th December. The Draw is to thank you for your support in helping to combat crime and making our community a safer place to live.

REMEMBER ....This Draw is FREE and so is Neighbourhood Watch - it costs you nothing to join in. Crime prevention costs you little, crime invasion is expensive. There were 13 arrests in Penzance assisted by CCTV during the month of July 2000. There was no reported vehicular-related crime in the towns car parks covered directly by CCTV during that month.

Annual General Meeting

The Chamber's Annual General Meeting will be held on February 13th 2001 at 7.30 pm in the lounge of the Queen's Hotel, The Promenade, Penzance.

November Meeting

The next Chamber Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 7th at the Queen's Hotel, The Promenade, Penzance at 7.30pm.

Previous Newsletters

PENZANCE - THE PLACE TO BE

More about Penzance Chamber of Commerce can be found at:-