Falmouth Town Council is looking to further explore the potential offered by Church Street Car Park. The four-acre site, owned by Cornwall Council, has been identified within Falmouth's Neighbourhood Development Plan as being key to reimagining the town centre.

As such, Falmouth's Place Shaping Board, of which Falmouth Town Council is a partner, has asked local architects Lavigne Lonsdale and Cornwall-based Inner Circle Consulting to deliver a new vision and master plan for the car park.

The project is still in its early phase, with initial scoping work and engagement with the public, businesses, Town and Cornwall Councillors, and Cornwall Council. This work will identify various options that key stakeholders will then inform with public input.

Town and Cornwall Councillor Jayne Kirkham, Chair of Falmouth's Place Shaping Board, shared, "This project is only in its very early stages, but at its heart, this is about making sure Falmouth town centre has what it needs to thrive and flourish. The Church Street Car Park site can play an important role in maintaining the vibrancy of the town centre and our local economy. We hope everyone who lives, works, or visits Falmouth will meet with the team, look at the options, and share their views."

The public is encouraged to learn more about this project and share ideas during engagement events on the following days:

• Friday 14 October: 12 pm-4 pm at Oyster Festival

• Saturday 15 October: 10 am-4 pm at Oyster Festival

• Tuesday 25 October: 10-4 pm at The Princess Pavilion

• Wednesday 26 October: 10 am-4 pm at Art Gallery/Library lobby

• Thursday 27 October: 10 am-4 pm at The Dracena Centre

Over the last six months, Falmouth Town Council and its partners have overseen the implementation of initiatives designed to make Falmouth town centre safer and even more appealing to residents and visitors alike. These initiatives include the priority pedestrianisation of Market Street and exploring the possible different uses afforded by Church St Car Park.

Feedback on both these initiatives has been positive. Visitors and residents have reported, for example, feeling safer whilst walking through the centre of town during the day due to the reduced traffic.

Reimagining uses for Church St Car Park has also been well received. This summer, for example, the waterfront car park was repurposed as a scenic venue both for Falmouth Week's very successful shoreside entertainment programme and the renowned Sea Shanty Festival.

Sea Shanty Festival in the car park - (image Credit) Falmouth.co.uk

Furthermore, local businesses have been encouraged to use the space to offer customers outdoor dining options, helping to move footfall around the town centre over the summer season and supporting local hospitality providers affected during the Pandemic.