A new blueprint for the future of Liskeard over the next 25 years has outlined plans for a multi-million pound leisure complex, a luxury hotel and a new national supermarket (link below.)
http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=144125&command=displayContent&sourceNode=232450&contentPK=20404375&folderPk=108202&pNodeId=251466The Community Strategic Plan First Draft, released this week, has taken two years of research and planning by volunteers, members of Liskeard Town Council and Liskeard Town Forum.The plan takes into account the estimated population increase of Liskeard - which is expected to grow from 8,750 to 14,000 by 2030.
One controversial aspect is the possible building of a "main attraction", aimed to draw visitors and consumers back to the town centre, possibly on the cattle market site.
However, Kivells' auctioneers, who run Liskeard cattle market, told the Cornish Guardian earlier this year that they had no intention of vacating the site, which has long been touted as prime development land.
The construction of a new leisure complex is also a hot topic for many of the town's youngsters, who believe there is little in the way of entertainment. 486 people have joined a campaign group - entitled 'A petition for a bowling alley and cinema in Liskeard' - on social networking website Facebook.The group was set up by two 17-year-old Liskeard students Kieran Hankin and James Chegwyn (link below.)
http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=144125&command=displayContent&sourceNode=232450&contentPK=20404379&folderPk=108202&pNodeId=251466Currently cinema-goers face a 40-mile round trip to Wadebridge or a 42-mile round trip to Plymouth for the nearest cinema.
The Lamellion Hospital site has been identified in the report as an area 'well suited' for entertainment and leisure.
The need for quality hotel accommodation is also outlined in the report, stating Caradon District Council's Luxstowe House would be ideal, if they were ever to vacate their premises.
Other major projects outlined in the plan include the improvement of road infrastructure, with the building of a full flow junction at Moorswater - helping to ease traffic congestion in Liskeard.
A feasibility study into the planned park and ride scheme at Moorswater has also been noted (link below.)
http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=895.msg3930#msg3930Fore Street could also be turned into a covered arcade, the report states.
And attention is also paid to the creation of more 'good jobs for locals'. The plan states that a feasibility study should be carried out on whether to create a science park or 'hi-tech cluster' to help keep high skilled people in the town.
The Community Strategic Plan First Draft is available to view at Stuart House, Liskeard, and is also expected to be placed on Liskeard Town Council's website this week, at
www.liskeard.gov.uk 
