More than 70 people have taken part in a public consultation over a proposed building that has been described as giving "a new use and lease of life" to an area of Porthleven.

The two-day drop-in event was hosted by Porthleven Harbour & Dock Company to give people a better idea of their plans for an area of the shipyard currently used for storing small boats and parking.

The company owned by Trevor Osborne hopes to develop an 'innovation building' that would house studios and units for both office and light industrial use, as well as an internet cafe, public toilets, showers for harbour-users and an integrated bus shelter.

A circular section of the building facing the harbour would house an open-plan area at first floor level, available for people to work with other digital businesses, while a rectangular two-storey building at the back is aimed at small and medium sized companies wanting to rent an adaptable work space with the potential to grow.

An open air third floor would provide panoramic views across the harbour and town, with the potential for open air exhibitions and performances to be held there.

A spokesperson for the company said: "The proposed building, on the site currently owned and managed by Porthleven Harbour & Dock Company, will give a new use and lease of life to what is currently an under-utilised area which detracts from the appearance and character of the conservation area and town."

She said the most common concern was about the impact that additional cars and parking could have on Porthleven, while the most contentious issue was the proposed blue colour of of the building - although she stressed that the computer generated images used to illustrates the designs did make it look brighter than it would actually be. Some people really liked the colour, while others did not.

The spokesperson said that had been an element of confusion, caused by the computer generated images, which some people had interpreted as the new building stretching right across the entrance to the shipyard, which it would not, and this was easily clarified when speaking to people.

"Another common query was about the nature of an ‘innovation building’ - most felt that they ‘got it’ after listening to an explanation," she added.

Some people raised the question of whether the third floor was necessary, while there was a split between those who liked the style of the proposed building and those who thought something more "traditional" and less "modern" would be better.

She added that visitors to the consultation welcomed the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the proposals at this stage.

Trevor Osborne, of the Porthleven Harbour & Dock Company, said: "This is an exciting project, which we anticipate will be a springboard for all kinds of creative enterprises which will bring tangible benefits to our community, particularly in the form of employment opportunities."