Spotlight On... Saltash and Torpoint

This 'Spotlight on...' is brought to you by Michael Hinks, Economic Development Officer, Caradon District Council.

Spotlight on...Saltash & Torpoint.

Situated in the lower Tamar Valley, on the eastern boundary of Cornwall, Saltash and Torpoint are true gateway towns for the county.  In business terms this means that, although there are excellent local resources, there is an added bonus in the form of fast and easy access to the university city of Plymouth, with its airport, European ferry connections, railway network, motorway level road links and business services.

For businesses, this is also a lifestyle choice as the area offers an unprecedented variety of living environments, from high moor land to stunning coastline and from tiny hamlets to bustling market towns and picture-postcard coastal resorts.

The combination of environment and sound business infrastructure probably explains why there is an ongoing demand for all kinds of employment property and a sustained building programme from both private and public sectors, even as the economy elsewhere in the UK is faltering.  Saltash and Torpoint really do represent a Win-Win business location!

Saltash

Saltash, the largest settlement in East Cornwall, is a vibrant riverside town with a diverse shopping area with views of the historic Brunel railway bridge and, in the distance, the Dartmoor uplands.  Immediately adjacent to the A38, road communications are first class.  The town also has its own rail station, whilst Plymouth airport and Millbay ferry port are also easily accessible.  Saltash College, the local campus for the Combined Universities in Cornwall, can offer a wide range of employment training to ensure essential skills are available.

Beaver Developments
With all sites at Saltash Parkway now committed, developers Beaver UK have announced a new programme for the adjacent Burraton Road site.   The development will comprise five high quality units - three suitable for manufacturing processes or warehousing (2000, 3500 and 4000 ft²), and two 'hybrid' units (each 4000 ft²), with increased office space and the capability for further enhancement for particular tenants.  There is also an opportunity for future development on adjacent land of up to 30000 ft².  With excellent access to the dual carriageway A38 and 20 minutes travel time to Plymouth airport and Millbay ferry port, uptake is expected to be rapid.  Further information from Fred Rogers at Beaver Developments (01752 846464).

Town Centre Regeneration Study
Development sites for employment in Saltash Town Centre are rare and valuable.  In order to make the best of the opportunities available, a partnership lead by Saltash Community Interest Company have commissioned consultants Scott Wilson to undertake a progression study, intended to examine the most productive way of carrying potential sites forward.  The study, jointly funded by SWRDA, Caradon District Council and Saltash Town Council, will look at five potential employment sites and is due to be completed in the spring of 2009.

Spring start for Broadacre Park
Developers for Broadacre Park site, at Trerulefoot, have announced that they anticipate starting development early next year.  The site will comprise around 35000 ft² of high quality employment space from 1000 to 30000 ft² in size.  Units will be available to buy or rent and the existing planning permission allows for industrial, warehouse or office accommodation.  Design and build packages are also available.  Once again, communications are excellent with the site located adjacent to the A38.  Further information from appointed agents Edward Symmons (Andrew Wood, 01752 222233) or Stratton Creber Commercial (Mark Slade, 01752 670700).

Torpoint

Torpoint has always had an association with the Royal Naval Dockyard at Devonport and the training school HMS Raleigh, in Torpoint itself.  The demands of these establishments has tended to generate a loyal and able workforce with a range of technical skills.  There is a frequent 'floating bridge' ferry service to Plymouth, a short distance across the river Tamar, capable of carrying goods vehicles.  The town is also served by a good quality road link (A374).  Although Torpoint is an attractive small town, well-served with retail facilities, it is a commercial town rather than a tourist destination.

Trevol Business Park
Trevol is on the outskirts of the town and logistically a very good location.  The Business park represents a major investment by the Regional Development Agency (£3.75 million).  The existing development is of high quality (rated BREEAM 'Very Good') in an attractive landscaped setting.  Only one unit remains of the first phase (4560 ft², including 10% office content).  Contact: Andrew Wood at Edward Symmons (01752 222233).

Town Centre Study
Like Saltash, Torpoint has limited space for development within the town centre and there is a need for best use to be made of such sites as are available.  The Rame Peninsula Trust have therefore acquired funding (through the RDA and Caradon District Council) to undertake a progression study, exploring the most productive ways of utilising the opportunities that do exist, including a substantial site already identified for redevelopment.  The study will be offered for tender shortly and should be complete by the end of March 2009.

Enterprise Court
Enterprise Court is an attractive riverside office location operated by Caradon District Council.  Offering small, well finished office suites, it is an ideal location for ambitious micro-businesses wanting to combine an excellent business environment with fine lifestyle opportunities.  Close to the ferry terminal and the road network, Enterprise Court still has space available at the time of going to press.  Contact Jo Harrison at Caradon District Council (01579 324100).