Bude-Stratton Town Council last night voted unanimously to move forward with a concept to redevelop the Triangle, following a funding offer of £48k from Cornwall Council to take the project to the planning stage.
The Town Team has been working on ideas to explore the potential of the Triangle as a revitalised town centre space, relevant to the 21st century, which adds value to the community and encourages economic development.
The Town Council’s endorsement of the concept comes after a visit to Bude last week by local MP Scott Mann and Cornwall Council’s Portfolio holder for Economy Councillor Stephen Rushworth.
Chair of the Town Team Tony Gibbs said: “I am pleased to say that now we have the unanimous support of the Town Council, we can look forward to using the funding received to continue to develop this project ready for delivery. This is a great start but there is a long way to go with taking the concept through further design, consultation and planning stages to make it a reality. The ongoing support from Scott and Cornwall Council is very much appreciated.”
The offer of funding has accelerated the momentum of the project and there is much to be done in the next few months to investigate feasibility, including public consultation. Additionally, the Town Team will be arranging sessions imminently with local businesses to outline the aims and concepts of the project.
“The Town Team has been working on ideas that will help our town centre to be commercially thriving and full of activity for our own community and visitors,” explained Cornwall Cllr Peter La Broy. “The Team felt there is a big opportunity to improve our beloved Triangle by making it larger and including a performance space and small covered stall area that could be used by local groups.”
Other outline ideas include a single public convenience, an interactive and fun fountain, ecologically sound planting with environmental interpretation and finding a home for some of the wood from the town’s Macrocarpa Tree, which was brought down recently by Storm Eunice.
“The loss of our big tree has brought into focus the opportunity to make this space something really special for Bude – I am incredibly grateful that the initial funding of £48,000 has been provided by Cornwall Council to get us on our way,” Cllr La Broy added.
Chair of Bude Area Tourist Board Linda Winstanley commented: “Bude has a wonderful community feel and is equally loved by the many visitors that come to Bude time and time again. Bude Area Tourist Board (BATB) is delighted that the local community has been given the opportunity to explore how we can revitalise this amazing open space at the entrance to the town, and we can’t wait to see how this exciting project moves forward for the town.”
This initial early investment will put Bude in a strong position to access additional funding for the Triangle project from central government.
MP Scott Mann said: “This investment in Bude is the start of a new approach being taken by Cornwall Council. The Town Team in Bude, along with Cornwall and Town Councillors, has been working up proposals for the Triangle and wider regeneration packages.
“When the money starts to flow from the Shared Prosperity Fund, Bude will be well placed to access the wider fund. I am genuinely excited about what this will mean for Bude and the wider community. The replacement for the EU funding schemes will be more flexible and directed at local priorities for better outcomes.”
