The newly formed Penzance Business Network are expecting a capacity crowd tomorrow evening at the unveiling of their alternative plans for a combined passenger and freight terminal adjacent to the South Pier in Penzance. The Network believe that the Council’s preferred option A scheme- which again comes under the scrutiny of planners on the 8th March despite already being rejected in December - does nothing for the regeneration of Penzance and that its only benefit is to maintain the  current status quo with the Isles of Scilly.

Option PZ has already been warmly welcomed by members of the business community, campaigners and the general public as an opportunity to break the current deadlock anddevelop a scheme which will bring all the various factions together.

The Network maintain that Option PZ does much more to benefit Penzance.Whilst recognising that the Scilly link is an essential part of thetown’s economy, they say the new scheme actively seeks regeneration by creating an environment that people want to be a part of. “

Penzance needs to be a destination in its own right and not just a transport facility for the benefit of the Isles of Scilly”, say’s Paul Newport,Chairman of the group. “Our scheme retains the ferry link with the Islands and satisfies all the concerns expressed by English heritage by not desecrating a listed structure. At the present time an increase in listing is being sought to make this a grade two star listing which would be hard for the strategic Planning Committee to ignore.”

The new plans clear the waterfront on to much of the wet harbour to make way for much improved public realm with open spaces and views. It delivers a modern and iconic multi-use building for use not only as a freight and passenger terminus – but also for use by the general public and features a café and restaurant which would be leased to off set running costs.

The Option PZ plans are being outlined in detail at a public meeting to be held at 7.30pm this Wednesday 3rd March at The Methodist Chapel in Penzance.