A "major boost to the local economy" in central Cornwall has been claimed with the announcement of an expansion of business facilities at Victoria.

Over £3m of ERDF Convergence investment has been awarded towards a £5.6m construction project at the Victoria Commercial Centre.

The project will provide flexible business space ranging from 2000 sq/m down to 10 sq/m starter units. Work on the project has already begun and is due for completion in Autumn 2013. 

The investment will also provide access and servicing of an additional 10 acres of industrial land that will make available "much needed opportunities for local businesses to expand in future phases".

Graham Honey of Victoria Commercial Centre said: “I’m very excited; it’s a tremendous boon for the clay area of central Cornwall. Without the ERDF Convergence investment we wouldn’t be able to help develop this area and provide the desperately needed premises for start-ups and developing businesses.”

Mr Honey went on to say: “Victoria is such a well-located place for businesses, being right on the A30 and in the geographic centre of Cornwall. This news will help elevate its status further and also comes at a time when any positive economic news is very welcome.”

Chris Pomfret, chair of the LEP and deputy chair of the committee that steers the Convergence programme added: “Building on the success of the original Victoria Commercial Centre by opening up the land for further economic growth showcases the way ERDF Convergence investment can work to provide long term growth opportunities. With the site so close to the A30 it is perfect for SMEs to easily start up or relocate with great links to the both inside and outside of Cornwall.”