Helston could one day have its own town square to stage major events after the town council accepted a draft report on future plans for the town.

Councillors received a report from Melissa Ralph of landscape architects Mei Loci on a draft public realm framework, which sets out a list of propositions for public space in the town centre.

The framework sets out 18 proposed improvement projects, including a new town square in Trengrouse Way Car Park, a “museum and arts cultural quarter” around the Drill Hall Yard, the “enlivening” of Coinagehall, Meneage and Wendron Streets, the area around the Guildhall and the Sunken Garden, and improving links between the town centre and Coronation Park.

Councillor John Martin said the document went to “the heart of what this town is looking for,” and was a “good starting point” for future development,” while the mayor, Councillor Mike Thomas, said it “sets out a very clear vision for our town.”

The suggestion of a town square was well received by councillors, with one saying it would turn the area into something “valuable and viable.”

Mei Loci proposed the idea as a “long term aspiration” for the town council which “may benefit from some development within the car park to provide a more 'active frontage' overlooking the area.

It was suggested that in the shorter term, trial markets held in the car park, with the long term scheme to provide a flexible space for markets, events, and comfortable seating which would complement the events in Coinagehall Street.

The draft document is the precursor to a final public realm framework which will be kept for the council's use over the next 15 years.

Speaking after the meeting, town clerk Chris Dawson said: “It's not a case of the document just sitting on a shelf.

“There are things in the framework that they will be planning to carry out as and when possible”

He added that it was just not possible to carry out all the works at once due to staffing and funding restrictions, and instead the council would be referring to the framework and “trying to pick off the proposals.”

A funding solution for one of the projects, to renew key paving areas with Cornish granite and add street signage set into the floor, came from Councillor Gillian Geer, who suggested that the council could encourage residents to sponsor a paving slab.

She said: “We could get everyone in Helston to buy a granite slab. They could say 'that's mine'.

“People would be buying a thing, not just giving money.”

One key proposal was to improve the town's sense of welcome at four key points, including two 'eastern gateways' at the Falmouth Road roundabout and along Clodgey Lane and Trengrouse Way, a 'western gateway' at the junction of the Penzance Road and Monument Road, and a 'Parade gateway' where the Parade meets Meneage Street.

The proposal would include adding planting to soften the appearance of the areas involved, highlighting the town's role as a gateway to the Lizard and its history, including Flora Day, reducing clutter, and slowing down traffic while easing pedestrian access.

Councillor Martin said this should be a priority, as he had friends living outside Helston who said there was “no welcome, no obvious direction to take,” for visitors.