WORK is beginning this month on a long-awaited council scheme which will help to revitalise St Austell town centre.

Cornwall Council has told the Voice that the project to provide a new service hub for the town is getting under way.

The hub will be created in empty retail units at the White River Place shopping centre and is due to open in the late spring of next year.

The council says residents will be able to access key services in one single place when the hub starts operating.

A spokesperson said: “The hub is part of the council’s ongoing operational estate transformation programme, with similar centres being opened in other towns across Cornwall.

“They will provide access to council services such as children and family services, adult education and registrars, and will provide spaces for Cornwall Council staff to meet and work.

“As well as making important services available for the community, the hub will increase town centre footfall, helping to support the local economy by encouraging growth in retail spend.”

Cornwall councillor Anne Double, who represents the St Austell Central and Gover division, said the hub project was a positive move.

She said: “With the decline in retail in the town centre due to a number of factors, it is important we find alternatives for the empty units. With the old Restormel offices in Penwinnick closing, I was adamant that services needed to remain in St Austell and would only support the closure of the old council offices if this happened.

“I feel these additional services will increase the footfall in the town, which in turn will help those businesses who have invested in the town centre.”

Council deputy leader Cllr David Harris said: “Creating service hubs is a central part of our drive to create a more cost-effective and carbon-neutral estate. It will provide welcoming, friendly spaces at the heart of the community where residents can access the services they need, when they need them.”