IT is hoped that Saltash will receive a huge tourism boost following the beginning this week of the transformation of Saltash's waterside into a focal point for visitors and locals.
Contractors have picked up tools on the £380,931 Saltash Waterside Phase One scheme which is funded via Objective One and the government Single Regeneration Budget 2 (SRB2).
The five month project will lead to a comprehensive package of improvements for the Jubilee Green area north of the Tamar Bridge. Work will include a floating pontoon to encourage boat users to moor up, come ashore and visit the waterfront and town, and improvements to the existing slipway. This would make it more accessible and easier to use, allowing twice as many boats to be brought ashore and launched side by side.
There will also be more boat, trailer and car parking facilities and a larger recreational green - and new lighting and landscaping plus a notice board, town map panel and finger post signs directing visitors to local attractions and facilities.
Roseland Plant Co Ltd of Liskeard will be carrying out alterations and improvements to the existing car and dinghy parks at Jubilee Green, while Seastructures Ltd of Plymouth will be constructing the new pontoon. Pontoon construction will initially take place off site, transferring to the waterside after 1 December.
Steve Tait, Caradon district council's chairman and chair of Saltash Partnership, said: 'This is another big step towards making the dream of a new look for Saltash's waterside area come true. When the project is completed in the spring, it should give a real boost to the local economy as well as providing better facilities for local people.'
The first phase of the project is due to be completed by 1 March 2002 with all facilities ready for use in the town's spring events. Consultation is also underway on a Saltash Waterside Phase II scheme to regenerate the area south of the Tamar Bridge.
Saltash Waterside Phase I is being funded by £189,858 from the Objective One European Regional Development Fund, £133,023 from Cornwall Developing in Partnership SRB2 Programme, £57,550 from Caradon District Council and £500 from Saltash Town Council.