AN ambitious scheme to create a £1.4-million high class arts and crafts centre in the centre of a Dartmoor village could take a major step forward this week, if planners give the project the go-ahead, writes Jane Honey. The project is being put forward by the High Moorland Community Action group, with support from Devon Re-investment Service and backing from the Duchy of Cornwall. It would be based on the site of the former Princetown Stores. The centre would comprise 17 starter units for arts and crafts-based businesses, a gallery and a teaching studio. Applications for funding are being assessed by the South West Regional Development Agency and the Objective 2 scheme. Michael White, project manager, said the centre could make a big difference to Princetown: ?The creative industries in the South West are a major growth area. ?There are about 355,000 visitors to Dartmoor each year ? the High Moorland Centre in Princetown has more than 100,000 visitors a year; we know people are coming here and we want to achieve a gallery that will attract people. ?Although tourism isn?t the primary factor in creating the centre, it?s a very important secondary one. ?There is also a great shortage of teaching studios for people who want to learn about arts and crafts.? Mr White said the project had its roots in the Moorland Exhibition which has been held in Princetown for the last ten years, though the trigger for the funding applications was economic regeneration. He said those involved were keeping their fingers crossed that the two major funders would come up with the cash to bring it to fruition ? they were hoping for a decision by March. Judy Pride, a field worker with Devon Re-investment Service, said the proposed centre could benefit the whole West Devon area, not just Princetown: ?The idea of the starter units is to bring together those people who are currently working in sheds or their back bedroom and allow them to take the next step in their business ? and by having them together you are gaining economies of scale and giving them the opportunity to learn from each other.? She said the teaching studio could be used to tap into the short break tourism market and provide an opportunity for local people to learn and develop new skills. The planning application for the centre has been submitted by the Duchy of Cornwall. A spokesman said the project was still in its early stages, but the Duchy was ?very supportive? of initiatives being brought forward by the community for the good of Princetown. Dartmoor National Park Authority?s planning committee is to consider an application for the demolition of Morwenna House and the former Princetown Stores and the construction of the arts and crafts centre at its meeting in Bovey Tracey tomorrow (Friday). Both applications are being recommended for approval ? planning officers have said the centre would be ?a welcomed asset and improvement to this part of Princetown?.
