Bowmer & Kirkland has been commissioned by Dutch developer, ING Real Estate, to restore the derelict Hayle South Quay waterfront in Cornwall. Designed by Mountford Pigott, this £12m project will see the construction of a 50,000 sq ft Asda superstore, a waterfront restaurant, multiple shops and 30 residential properties. The project is expected to create up to 200 construction jobs.
CONTROVERSIAL DECISION
The development plans were initially rejected by Cornwall Council and the project became embroiled in controversy due to the site holding coveted Word Heritage status since 2006. Fears surrounding adverse effects on the area’s international standing as a place of unique historical importance led the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to urge the UK Government to block plans for the construction of the superstore. Initially, UNESCO threatened to include the location on its list of “World Heritage in danger” sites if the Government refused to comply, however, the call was ignored and construction is expected to commence in the next few weeks.
WORK TO COMMENCE IMMINENTLY
An Asda spokesman said: “We are delighted to announce our plans to open a store in Hayle.” ING representative Gary Cartmell concurred, saying: "We are delighted to have such a fantastic retailer coming in to the town centre… You will be able to see work commencing from the second week in October."
According to Construction Enquirer, as part of the deal, Cornwall Council required “the developer to complete repairs to Hayle’s historic harbour walls, reopen part of Carnsew Dock and repair and re-instate the sluicing infrastructure to Carnsew Pool.”
The store is expected to open by the end of 2014.
