HUNDREDS of residents and representatives of business packed the Methodist Church in Chapel Street last Wednesday evening to see a presentation by the newly-formed members of the Penzance Business Network (PBN) on "Option PZ".

Nine councillors on the council's strategic planning committee also attended the meeting, to which the Cornwall Council-led Route Partnership had declined an invitation to present "Option A".

During the nearly two-and-a-half hour session, PBN members – including Ginny Rowe from the Dock Inn, artist Hadrian Pigott, architects Andy Travers and Keith Bell, chairman and businessman Paul Newport and MP Andrew George – outlined details of the scheme.

In the absence of representations from Cornwall Council, the 500-strong audience was shown a silent slideshow of Option A.

It followed a lengthy presentation from independent architect Keith Bell who explained how a mixed-use terminal on the Meadery/Penwith Marine Services site would best benefit the town and create an attractive hub for the wider community.

He said: "At the moment Quay Street is like a toothless smile. We want to create a destination in the harbour that people can enjoy, and unlock its potential.

"The modern and glassy building is a revenue-generating facility with a restaurant and a cafe and it would create a vibrant heart in the harbour.

"The Meadery and Penwith Marine Services have spoken to us and they would be willing to vacate the site. If Option A fails, this should fill the void."

After the presentation the panel took about 20 questions from the audience on issues such as the building, materials, funding, traffic, Jubilee Pool and the proposed ship.

Julia Day, leader of the Council of the Isles of Scilly, challenged the panel on the funding deadline, reminding them that time was running out.

In response, Mr George suggested it would be "extremely unlikely" to be able to secure the funding by the end of the month even if Option A was approved on Monday.

He said: "The minister has said there is no absolute deadline for the full approval submission and the Scilly link remains a high priority for them; however, it can't continue forever."

The vice-chairman of Cornwall Council's strategic planning committee, Fiona Ferguson – who voted in favour of Option A in December – was also present.

She told the meeting that she had unsuccessfully urged the council to attend the meeting.

She said: "The message from the council is that they have been developing the scheme for eight years and in their view those 14 options have been considered for a large number of years and it is crunch time."

Mr Newport said the panel only wanted to do the right thing.

Mr George added: "At the end of the day we hope that this town will be united."

ARTICLE COPYRIGHT THE CORNISHMAN