A SMALL but important part of St Austell town centre is set to undergo a transformation.
A modern piazza is to be created in the grounds of the historic Holy Trinity Church off Market Street.
The scheme is one of the projects being pursued in the regeneration of the town centre.
St Austell Town Council has confirmed to the Voice that work on the piazza scheme is due to start on Monday, April 28.
The council has had to gain listing building consent for the project next to the grade I listed parish church and the town’s grade II listed war memorial. Permission also had to be granted by Church of England authorities.
Hard and soft landscaping improvements will be undertaken in the churchyard, which at the moment is mostly laid to grass, to create “an accessible and attractive space”.
The council says the project will enhance the setting of the church and improve public access off Market Street.
In a planning statement, submitted on behalf of the council when it was seeking listed building consent, it was said: “The site is located in the heart of St Austell and comprises a majestic grade I listed church. The site lies within the centre of the St Austell Conservation Area.
“The surrounding wall and railings and war memorial are grade II listed. All the existing listed elements will be retained unless other historic permissions permit alteration.
“This application is concerned with the hard and soft landscaping within the grounds of the church which are not listed.
The piazza will be created next to the St Austell War Memorial. Video: Andrew Townsend.
“The existing degraded aggregate is being replaced with a new permeable bound aggregate which forms the majority of the paved surface with any detail being formed with granite and pebbles to match the detail already within the churchyard.”
The piazza, once completed, will be utilised for events and organised activities.