The two options on offer for Marks and Spencer have opened up debate on which one would be best for Falmouth.
With just a few days left in our poll we want to know which one you prefer.
While the application for luxury flats and a retail unit for the empty site in Market Street
Both Acorn Blue, the company behind the Liner building on Falmouth seafront, and Pentire Group have sought pre-application advice for potentially developing the site.
The currently unused building that occupies 44-46 Market Street has stood empty for over two years and has recently become the subject of not one but two pre-applications for planning and development.
The Acorn Blue plans will look to keep a commercial unit on street level and will also include a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses, duplexes and apartments, with outside space, boat storage, car-parking and a communal courtyard garden.
However, Pentire Group, who are behind the alternative pre-application, are looking for a more community-based development:
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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.
In a letter to the Falmouth Packet this week, Falmouth resident Kirstie Edwards said: "After a long time waiting, it looks like we finally have two options for the iconic M&S building, moving forwards. One, luxury flats and a retail unit, the other a co-working innovation hub.
"In other words, posh housing for second homeowners or somewhere that everyone in the community can access.
"I know which I’d prefer and I’d hedge my bets that the community in Falmouth would agree with me.
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She says she firmly believes Falmouth could become a hub for green progressive innovation in industry and showcase some of the incredible small circular economy businesses that are being born in our town and county.
"This space could become the focal point we have lacked for a long time in town, that is run by and for the community of Falmouth – think pop up/local business stalls, street food, community spaces for when we can get back to mixing and enjoying each other’s company once more, for families, the arts, community groups and events. It would become one of the many jewels in Falmouth crown.
"Or we could just sell the flats to a load of people richer than most locals and lose it as part of our community forever."
What would you choose? Vote in our Packet poll.
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