A Cornwall Council project which will examine future employment and business opportunities in Penzance and Newlyn needs local residents to feed in their ideas and comments to ensure they benefit fully from any future investment.

The European funding programme Convergence identified Penzance and Newlyn as an area with the potential to play a key economic role in west Cornwall and has provided funding for the project. The project will examine ways to capitalise on any future funding opportunities, looking at the area as a whole, rather than at individual sites in isolation.

A series of design and consultation sessions with the local community are scheduled over the next few months to examine the potential opportunities for future growth and sustainable economic development for the area, while ensuring Penzance and Newlyn retains its distinctive heritage and character.

Cornwall Councillor for economy and regeneration, Carolyn Rule said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to look at what the future of Penzance and Newlyn may look like, and see how we can make the most of any European funding to ensure that future is stable and provides opportunities for local employment and business growth."

The year-long project, which will culminate in a plan for regeneration and development - known as a framework plan, is being delivered by specialist consultants AECOM Design and Planning.

Initial research to review the current economic sustainability of Penzance and Newlyn started late last year. The next phase of the project engages some of the key community representatives from local businesses, town and parish councils, community and voluntary groups, local interest groups and representatives from the heritage, culture and environmental sectors, in a series of design and consultation workshops so they can contribute their thoughts and suggestions to this exciting project.

Anyone not invited through one of these specific groups is encouraged to attend an evening session on Wednesday 10 March from 7pm - 9pm at The Ballroom, Queen's Hotel, Penzance where a summary of the workshop discussions will be provided and any initial thoughts and ideas examined.

Councillor Rule added: "It's important that we establish and maintain a continuous dialogue with the local community and provide opportunities for people and groups to feed in ideas and options to the plans, as well as receiving feedback on any ideas which are proposed.

News provided by Cornwall Council.