31 March 2008

Redruth welcomes new businesses to town centre

Redruth's award winning town centre received another boost this week with the opening of a new shop in Fore Street that will include a 'Reds Store' dedicated to the town's rugby club.

On Saturday March 29, Redruth town Mayor Cllr John Hayward officially opened 89 Fore Street which is now home to two local businesses, 'Mysterious Lady' and 'Hands on Crafts'.

The shop is run by Linda Saint and Natalie Greenwood, and sells everything from jewellery and crafts, knitwear and gifts to artwork. It is also home to a new 'Reds Store' and is the first time Redruth RFC have opened a retail outlet. Players and representatives from the club joined in the opening celebrations at the weekend.

Jeff Knuckey, Commercial Manager at Redruth RFC said: "Redruth Rugby Club is very pleased to be involved with any new venture in the town and we are very grateful to Linda and Natalie for providing us with the opportunity of opening a 'Reds Store' in their premises in Fore Street."

Jeff added: "The shop will sell our merchandise throughout the year, including replica shirts, tops, hats, scarves, old programmes, mugs and much, much more. We see the new developments at the bottom of Fore Street as very positive steps in the regeneration of the town.

'Mysterious Lady' and 'Hands on Crafts' previously traded from Market Way. Linda Saint said making the move into bigger premises has been very exciting: "We are thrilled with our new premises and feel there is a real demand for the unique choice of products we sell. We are also delighted to have teamed up with Redruth RFC to provide a base in the town centre to sell their products."

The second shop, Open Estate Agents, will occupy neighbouring 90 Fore Street and is due to open on Saturday April 12.
The independent estate agency, which will employ three staff, is a new venture for director Tim Willetts, who brings a wealth of experience in the industry. Tim said: "The ongoing improvement programme in Redruth has made the town a viable place to invest in.

"The shop will open following a complete refit and visitors will be able to look at properties in the area on the latest LCD screens."

Richard Goldring, head of local chartered surveyors Goldring Yates, who handled both lettings said: "The opening of two new shops is great boost for this end of the town and reflects the significant investment we have seen in improving the town centre's appearance in recent years. Camborne has benefited from similar investment and we continue to see interest from businesses wanting to invest in both towns."

Matt Powell, Business Growth Manager at CPR Regeneration, who works closely with local retailers and other businesses in the area, said: "It's fantastic that businesses are continuing to open in the town centre and I'm particularly pleased that a prominent local organisation has seen the potential of a retail outlet in the heart of Redruth."

Over the last three years the South West of England Regional Development Agency and national regeneration agency English Partnerships have invested £5 million in Redruth and Camborne town centres to make them more attractive and welcoming for residents, visitors and businesses.

And in November Redruth scooped a gold award in the Town Centre Improvement Awards run by the British Council of shopping Centres, beating entries from 20 other towns and cities across the UK.