PEOPLE in Falmouth are being urged to make their feelings known about the proposed conversion of the old Marks and Spencer building into flats and retail units.

Urging people to post their opinions on Cornwall Council's planning portal, county and town councillor Jayne Kirkham says whatever happens it is a flagship building for the town and will set the tone for the rest of the high street.

"Please do have a look at the application and comment accordingly on the Cornwall Council Planning Portal," she said.

Computer generated images of the proposed redevelopment from Acorn Blue

Computer generated images of the proposed redevelopment from Acorn Blue

Acorn Blue, the developer behind the Liner building towering over Gyllyngvase Beach, has lodged an application to convert the iconic building into 14 residential apartments which range from

one to four bedrooms, three retail spaces on the ground floor along with car parking on the lower ground floor level. The proposal will utilise the existing building along with some remodelling and extensions.

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Cllr Kirkham says the main points that distinguish this application are:

  • The building will be broken up and changed into mainly residential accommodation and parking with three small retail units.
  • There will be a private entrance knocked through the facade for the residents' cars to go through. There will be no public access to the river.
Computer generated images of the proposed redevelopment from Acorn Blue

Computer generated images of the proposed redevelopment from Acorn Blue

The Acorn Blue application is one of two competing schemes for the building with another developer, The Pentire Group, looking for a more community-based development.

They want to provide a space for innovation and growth with different local companies and freelancers coming together in the town centre. They would be looking to showcase local chefs, local companies and freelancers as well as holding community events and developing access to the sea in partnership with Falmouth Harbour.

There has been a lot of interest in the two competing schemes with the Packet running a poll last year asking people which development they preferred. The results showed that 79% preferred the Pentire scheme while only 9% wanted the Acorn Blue development.

While Acorn lodged its application back in April, the Pentire Group has yet to lodge a full planning application after asking for pre-planning advice.

It is understood that the sale of the building to Acorn Blue is dependent on the planning application being approved.

You can see and comment on the application here.