Acorn Property Group's Cornish region, Acorn Blue, has completed the purchase of the former Marks & Spencer store on Market Street in Falmouth.

The plans were refused over a year ago, but after developers appealed the decision the project for 14 luxury flats with retail space below was approved.

In March, the former mayor of Falmouth, Steve Eva, responded to the approved appeal for the development with a written a letter to the Department of Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities. One of the key issues raised in the letter was the increase in traffic that the plans would cause.

The letter was supported by not only Falmouth Town Council and the Planning Committee but several local community organisations such as Falmouth Place Shipping Board, Civic Society, Falmouth BID, and many more.

Acorn Blue says the move will revitalise the large vacant building on Market Street, the plans for Market Quay include a range of one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments and houses, plus three retail units at ground level.

Each home built at Market Quay is said to have a 'luxurious feel' throughout and will benefit from allocated parking, boat storage, and private outdoor space with access to a newly built pontoon. All homes will have views of the harbour.

Regional Managing Director and Land Director at Acorn's Cornish office, Stuart Brereton, commented on the plans. Stuart said: "We're excited to have the opportunity to restore some of the vitality that Market Street lost when Marks & Spencer closed, breathing new life into Falmouth's main high street and bringing new homes and business space to the centre, while repurposing an empty building.

"Within easy reach of all central amenities, including shops, restaurants, local beaches, and coastline, we're expecting strong demand when properties become available."

Construction on the new development is due to start at the end of this Summer, with work expected to complete by Autumn 2025.