We want our town back!
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Newquay Town Council has taken over management of the Killacourt amid plans to take back the town in a push to regenerate the resort.
Last Friday saw the historic landmark of Newquay Town Council signing an agreement with Cornwall Council to take over management of the area.
It is seen by many as the first step in taking back the ownership of assets paid for by Newquay taxpayers – or that were originally gifted to the town. The agreement was signed at the council chambers and means the town council will take on the day-to-day management of the Killacourt as well as being the first contact for people wanting to hold events on the green space.
Councillors say any money they raise from events will be put back into the upkeep of the asset. Mayor Andy Hannan said it was a positive step forwards for Newquay, adding: “This is the first agreement we have entered into with Cornwall Council to manage a local asset. We aim to work with them now to prove that we are capable of managing the Killacourt and adding value for the people of Newquay, and we shall continue to push for the completetransfer of it.”
Cllr Julian German, cabinet member for Localism, Sustainability and Devolution, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be meeting with Newquay Town Council to discuss how assets that are currently run by Cornwall Council may be run or influenced by the community in the future. I am really pleased to be involved with the signing of the management agreement and it is the first step on that road.”
Newquay Town Council is looking to work with Cornwall Council to see the transfer of many assets back to its ownership in a bid to regenerate the town in a “self-sustaining way”. Taking ownership of car parks forms the first phase of the proposed plan – with the council saying it could look into offering a reduced or concessionary parking scheme to boost regeneration and economic growth.
The town council also argues that it organises or funds “countless” events, festivals and concerts in the resort, but fails to see any financial benefit.
The council stated: “If we had this increase in revenue, we could either use it on more events and festivals, or for smaller, localised events. We could offer subsidised car parking fees for residents to try and boost attendance to the events. Again, this is a local issue, where Cornwall Council takes a more strategic, Cornwall-wide view.”
The proposed plan also includes the recruitment of support staff, Marcus Hill offices returned, parks and gardens returned, public conveniences returned, allotments and cemeteries returned, heritage, buildings, land and property returned – as well as economic and town enhancement.
In a document presented to Cornwall councillors and officers last week, the town
council stresses that it is a “dynamic town council which invests heavily in its town for the benefit of the Newquay ratepayers and visitors.
“This report seeks the repatriation of Newquay’s assets back under the direct control of the
people of Newquay. These assets were relinquished through historic events by the Newquay Urban District Council.
“Since this action took place, there has been a constant long-standing battle to regain the assets so they can be run locally and in the best interests of their owners – Newquay ratepayers.
“To regain control and ownership of Newquay’s assets will empower the town council to take more action to really push for regeneration in Newquay in a self-sustaining way.
“Many were gifted to Newquay for the benefit of Newquay, yet it seems the lack of investment in those assets is causing long-lasting damage.”
Mayor Andy Hannan added: “We haven’t just dreamt these up in the past few weeks, this has been a gradual progress for us over the years.
“We are not saying casually, we want everything back, some assets are run better in the hands of Cornwall Council – but this has been a well thought out process and we believe we can run and manage these assets better for the people of Newquay with the local knowledge.”
