The first phase of work to transform the former Liskeard Cattle Market into a new workspace for Cornwall’s thriving digital and creative sectors is getting underway.
The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is supporting the regeneration scheme with a £590,000 investment from the Government’s Local Growth Fund, which includes funding for preparatory works.
The £4.4m workspace project is being funded by the LEP, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Cornwall Council.
Work to demolish the derelict buildings and structures on site is starting this month and is expected to last until the end of March.
The construction phase of the scheme is due to begin in August and will see the creation of a new building, called The Workshed, which will provide 17 flexible units and collaborative workspace aimed at businesses working in the digital and creative industries.
The project forms part of a wider phase of development that will also deliver a new covered market area for the town with high quality public space.
Glenn Caplin-Grey, Chief Executive of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP, said: “The first phase of this hugely important project for Liskeard is underway and we are thrilled to see work begin on what will be a very exciting new development for the town and the LEP. It will support Cornwall’s booming digital and creative industries and boost the town centre with the creation of vibrant new public areas that can be enjoyed by the whole community.”
The Cornwall Council-led project is due to be completed in September 2022. Once developed, the scheme is expected to add £1.2m a year to the local economy and support around 33 jobs.
Sheryll Murray, MP for South East Cornwall, whose constituency includes Liskeard, said: “The investment from the LEP via the Government’s Local Growth Fund and other partners has meant this regeneration project in the heart of Liskeard is now being realised. The scheme will not only support employment opportunities within the town but also transform the areas for community use.”
Mayor of Liskeard, Rachel Brooks, said: “Since the cattle market closed in 2017, the community in Liskeard has been involved in shaping the future of the site. There is very strong support for the Workshed and covered market space and we are delighted to see initial demolition work begin. We are looking forward to seeing the project take shape and for it to bring benefit to our town and the local economy.”
The LEP’s investment is the latest from its £78m Local Growth Fund allocation secured from the Government in recent years.
More recently, the LEP successfully bid for £14m from the Government’s Getting Building Fund to deliver £59m of projects across Cornwall, supporting 1,100 jobs over the next 18 months as part of Covid-19 economic recovery efforts.
