In 2022, the Town Team Project Board, which includes the Town Council, Antony Estate, third sector organisations and local businesses, produced a Strategic Outline Case for the development of Lower Fore Street. This project continues this work and supports the delivery of a RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) 2 report and feasibility study to develop a community focused facility and housing at the centre of Torpoint. The development site represents the first/last impression of visitors to Cornwall through this gateway and is the focus for mixed use development and public realm enhancement. It is at the centre of ‘A Vision for Torpoint’, published in March 2016, and is the basis for the Economic Plan and the Neighbourhood Plan.
The project will provide a combined community and housing development overlooking the River Tamar, adjacent to the ferry lanes and at the base of the main shopping street. The development will contain visitor and transport information, work space for officers, a community hub and library, café, gallery, art and creative studios, office and business start-up units for rent, as well as flexible work space for all sector use. There is also the opportunity to provide up to 50 x 2/3 bedroom apartments providing better living standards and much needed homes in the area.
The aim is to create a community focused building that brings the community together while restoring a sense of pride in Torpoint and creating a visible focus for the town, bringing to life the Vision for Torpoint. The facility will support networking and a creative mix of people from all ages enabling development, increased skills, stronger community and a more prosperous future for all. Importantly it will also enable people of all ages to mix, generating an environment that will help with the increased levels of loneliness identified in Torpoint.
Find out more at the Torpoint Town Council Website and their Facebook