ONE year on from the closure of a flagship Falmouth store, the Packet can reveal that there is interest in the £2.5m site.

Marks and Spencer ended its 80-year association with the port on February 2 last year, representing a big blow to the town's high street.

Richard Gates, Town Team manager, said: "There has been a significant amount of behind-the-scenes work, discussions and ideas over the past 12 months.

"A major remedial project has been instructed on behalf of the landlord in 2019 to include asbestos removal.

"Discussions have taken place with a variety of public and private sector organisations, with the Town Team proactively working to establish occupancy, creative modelling for the premises and more."

He added: "There is interest in the £2.5m site but nothing has been confirmed so far. With that price tag and investment required, major sites like this do take time to progress.

"The challenges facing the town centres in the UK are of course well documented, which is why we as a team work extensively to deliver a variety of innovative projects, year-round festivals and marketing campaigns to ensure Falmouth continues to be viewed as a destination to visit and invest in."

According to estate agents CBRE Commercial, the property in 44/46 Market Street comprises two adjoining and inter-linked buildings with accommodation arranged over basement, ground, first and second floors.

It states: "The property provides sales areas on the ground floor, and with further ancillary staff/storage areas on the basement and first floors. Part of the property, formerly a bank, has a period façade, and has split levels to the rear.

"The property is available as 44/46 Market Street but may be split to form two separate units. There is potential for a residential conversion on the upper floors, subject to planning consent being granted."

It adds that the current rateable value of the shop is £132,000 and the yearly rates payable are £65,076.

The Falmouth store was one of 14 closed across the country by Marks and Spencer last year.

The closure led to speculation about what might take its place in the town - with pub chain JD Wetherspoon and Sports Direct among those to be mooted.