Caradon council, in moves to see the refurbishment of the Liskeard eyesore that is Webb's Hotel, is establishing a close relationship with the South West Regional Development Agency.

The Agency, which is involved in the expansion of the Tamar Science Park in Plymouth, has shown interest in becoming involved in Webb's, which has been standing empty for over ten years. SWRDA is an independent regional body, with Sir Michael Lickiss as chairman, which deals with key sites.

Caradon's director of services, Alan Hartridge, explained that Webb's is a prestigious site, which is symbolic to the regeneration of Liskeard. He told councillors this week that negotiations over the future of Webb's continue to take place with its owner, Midlands factory boss Mike Austin. A main issue under discussion has been finding the necessary money to purchase and improve the building - and the stage has been reached where this could involve public sector money which would help obtain government GAP funding. This is given to breach the gap between what a building is worth, and the cost of improvements to bring it up to necessary standards, and is also available for key sites. The Agency would, hopefully, be able to involve its expertise in the scheme.

Mr Hartridge said if the building can be restored to its former glory, and put on the market, there are possibilities of it being restored as a hotel building, involving retail/office purposes or some residential or mixed use. He said he realised that ideally most would probably like to see it remain as a hotel, but there is a demand for provision of office space within the building.

He stressed that in its current state the building detracts from the newly-regenerated Parade area. Its importance, he said, means that because a profitable scheme has not emerged for it, despite many efforts, the situation is such that public monies can be used to put a solution into place. Some of this would come from the district council.