City's largest development in decades will provide jobs
UP TO 600 jobs could be created if a lorry trailer park on the outskirts of Truro is turned into "the biggest industrial development in the city in the last 20 years".
The Westfield Transport site, which is bigger than three football pitches, could accommodate 15 units expanding the Threemilestone Industrial Estate if plans are given the go ahead.
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An artists impression of how the mixed office and warehouse space will look if given the green light.
But concerns have been raised about the increase of traffic on the estate with claims some workers already wait for up to 40 minutes to get out on to the road between Threemilestone and Chacewater.
Two companies have already shown interest in the site, and the logos of a bathroom showroom and a tyre company are already on the outside of buildings in drawings submitted to the council.
The buildings, which would reach the highest levels of sustainability and be carbon neutral, would include offices, warehouses and combinations of the two.
But Truro Chamber of Commerce chairman David Tandy wants the traffic issues coming off of the estate to be addressed by the application.
"It's really good for Truro," he said, "but they need to sort the traffic problem out for that site because people queue for up to 40 minutes by the Riders Garage at night.
"Yes, I'm whole heartedly behind it. You're providing a variety of jobs and income.
"But you can't just throw it in as well without putting some thought behind the road scheme."
Agents Vicary Holman is working on the development in conjunction with Business Location Services (BLS) on behalf of Walker Developments.
They believe the development is not a bold move, but if given the green light will be perfectly timed for when the currently fragile economy begins to recover.
Neil Scott from agent Vicary Holman said: The last few months have been substantially better. If that trend continues we'll be hitting the ground running with this project instead of waiting until the economy gets better and then we'll be too late."
Russell Dodge from BLS added: "Believe it or not despite its position as Cornwall's administrative or commercial capital there hasn't been a development like this in Truro for nearly 20 years."
The development would have high levels of insulation to make the buildings energy efficient, reducing occupier's overheads and use local building contractors and locally-sourced materials where possible.
The plans, which also include a bus turning area to link in with the park and ride scheme, have been submitted.
4 Comments
by Estate Worker of Threemilestone, Threemilestone Industrial Estate
Friday, October 09 2009, 9:47AM
“No way hose!!!
40 mins waiting to get out? try an hour!
I informed the old Carrick council a few years back about other developments which are now completed, asking them to block all applications until the traffic situation had been sorted, they write back saying quote which development I am talking about.
I think it's disgusting that an estate this size has only 1 entrance and exit, even the Cardrew Estate and Treliske Estate have two.
Before another brick is laid another exit is required to alleviate the problems on the Threemilestone to Chacewater road.
Oddly enough, since the Park and Ride opened last year, the traffic queues on the estate have become worse, almost a case of we're helping the majority, and we'll ignore the minority.
These developers need to go around to each office on the estate and speak to the people who work, and some who live just off the estate, and have to put up with the traffic from 3.45pm 5 days a week, then see how much feeling there is about the development.
We didn't choose to work from the estate - our employers have moved from the city to office blocks, something which employees can't control!”
by Dave, Truro
Monday, October 05 2009, 8:55AM
“Newsflash Tim, cities grow! If they don't, they die.
Or are you one of these incomers who would prefer everything in Cornwall to remain exactly the same so you can continue living in your little paradise? Doesn't matter about the people who live, work and struggle to make ends meet here.”
by Ben, Truro
Thursday, October 01 2009, 3:56PM
“you just cant please some people in this county can you. at least they arent tourism jobs that are proposed.”
by TimV, Penzance
Thursday, October 01 2009, 1:52PM
“How developers, whose only interest is making money, seduce planners and locals with the prospect of jobs! In practice all these developments do is extend the city ever further into the surrounding countryside and increase congestion and pollution. Wake up Truro b4 it is too late.”