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120412 | Fears voiced over new supermarket on quay | This is Cornwall

Spotted in The Cornishman Thursday 12th April 2012

Fears voiced over new supermarket on quay


Thursday, April 12, 2012

The Cornishman

HAYLE retailers have revealed concerns about the effect building a new supermarket in the town centre could have on their businesses.

The new food store is part of the planned development of Hayle Harbour's South Quay, which has been derelict for more than 30 years, and will also consist of new homes, a waterside restaurant and a public open space.

Last month, the plans were approved by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles.

Proposals for the development of the quay have provoked controversy in the past although the latest designs were finalised in workshops involving the community, councillors and heritage experts.

But some concerns remain.

Mark Nicholas, owner of Flower Time on Penpol Terrace, which overlooks the quay, says the new supermarket will put local businesses at risk.

He said: "I thought the Government was trying to preserve town centres. But when new supermarkets are built, normally shops close so I assume the Government is trying to kill town centres.

"They spent thousands on the Mary Portas review and she said that town centres are the vibrant heart of the community but the big supermarkets don't really care about that. This is going to completely hammer some of the shops in Hayle."

The owner of Blewett's toy shop, Brian Buckby, said: "Whatever supermarket you put there, you are going to get local shops suffering.

"If you have got somebody like Asda they will be selling toys and everything, which will affect me.

"We have got three miles of sand in Hayle; why can't we do something nice there instead of just another supermarket?"

But Cornwall Councillor John Coombe said it was important to move forward.

He said: "We have certainly not done this to reduce any trade on Penpol Terrace. The businesses might have to adapt but every business has to do that.

"When you look across at South Quay you can't want it to stay like it is. I am hoping the supermarket and the shops will flourish together."

Developers ING said building a supermarket in the town would have far less impact than if an out-of-town store had been agreed.

Community engagement officer Gary Cartmell said: "We understand that retailers are always going to have concerns about change.

"We have discussed and debated everything and we have tried to come to a consensus with the community.

"We have always said that it is our belief that if we can keep people in Hayle and avoid them travelling to Penzance, Pool, or anywhere else, for their shopping, we will deliver real commercial benefit to the town."