Construction of the new Arts and Crafts Centre at Princetown near Tavistock is set to go ahead after a £1.7m funding package was agreed between Government Office South West, SW Regional Development Agency, the Duchy of Cornwall and Devon County Council.

After agreeing the final elements of the deal, ending a long period of planning and negotiation, local developers Rok will be building the new centre to promote arts and crafts work from up and coming artists in the area.

The development, called Duchy Square, will also house 17 small workshops and offices, a gallery for arts and crafts, and a teaching studio in the heart of the Dartmoor town. It will be built on the site of a former supermarket, since demolished, and a derelict building, Morwenna House. The land is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, who will remain the freeholders.

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The aim of the project is to regenerate the area by creating a tourist attraction which encourages more people to visit Princetown and offers plenty of opportunities to spend money in the local economy. By providing support to up and coming businesses, it is envisaged that it will also help to ensure the long term success of many local enterprises too.

The project will also use environmental construction techniques to minimise its carbon footprint. Employing triple glazing, grey water collection and recycled products where possible, the building design has been created to have minimal environmental impact, as it is located within a conservation area of Dartmoor National Park.

Councillor Humphrey Temperley, Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Regional Affairs, said: "Duchy Square will be a landmark building for Princetown and the surrounding area. Dartmoor has a rich heritage of Arts and Crafts and the centre will provide a focal point for business and the local community, as well as encouraging more visitors to the area.

"The plans to offer business development, skills and training mean that the project will be sustainable and viable into the long term, which is critical to regenerating rural areas. It will enhance existing commerce in the town, and help residents create entrepreneurial opportunities too, so the whole community should benefit."

Construction on site begins in November to be completed by the end of July 2008.

(JM)