Peoples Republic of South Devon

Square centre, round hole

April 16th, 2008

posted Cptn

The rumour we picked up here at PRSD towers was that the project for Princetown’s new centre for creative enterprise was a bit of a white elephant and would never fly (mixed metaphors and all).

Nevertheless, bureaucracy has won out and plans for the building of on the new £1.7 million Duchy Square Centre for Creativity in the highest town on Dartmoor (at 1,300ft) will be celebrated tomorrow (April 17), even if no turf is to be cut.

The already-present High Moorland Visitor Centre is pictured.
We’re keen to bang the drum for the creative industries, although the proposed 17 small workshops and offices sounds a little optimistic, but according to the press release: “The aim of the project is to regenerate the area by supporting local businesses across several key sectors, including creative industries, farming, food and tourism. It will also provide a tourist attraction, giving local creative practitioners an outlet to promote and sell their work, helping to boost the local economy.”

Laudable indeed. As is the use of “environmental construction techniques to minimise its carbon footprint. It will use recycled products where possible and the building design has been specified to have minimal environmental impact due to its location within a conservation area of Dartmoor National Park”.

And just so as you know, funding has been provided by Devon County Council, the South West of England Regional Development Agency, the Duchy of Cornwall and Objective 2 European Regional Development Funding. But what else is needed to get it off the ground?
Got an opinion? Get in touch.

(watch the Princetown traffic cam to see the Dartmoor clouds going by)

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Entry Filed under: Arts, Society