The next step in a project to transform a former Cornish livestock market into office and workshop space for local businesses is underway.

The £5.1million regeneration project to regenerate Liskeard Cattle Market is expected to add £1.2million a year to the local economy and support around 33 jobs.

It has been created through Cornwall’s first ever interactive planning and design ‘charette’.

The ‘charette’ - a series of intense collaboration events with residents and businesses - helped co-design the vision for the future of the cattle market site.

Contractor Brady Construction has started work to realise part of that vision by creating a new building called The Workshed which will provide 17 flexible units and collaborative workspace aimed at businesses working in the digital and creative industries.

With the excavations and foundations now complete, the building’s steel frame can be installed.

The project forms part of a wider phase of development that will also deliver a new covered market area for the town with high quality public space.

Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy, Stephen Rushworth, said: “The regeneration of this important town centre space will encourage small and medium size businesses, primarily from Cornwall’s thriving digital and creative sectors.

“This will in turn contribute to the wider regeneration programme for Liskeard and South East Cornwall, acting as a catalyst for the development of the entire Cattle Market site. Residents, businesses and visitors to the area will also benefit from the creation of vibrant new public areas that can be enjoyed by the whole community.”

Cllr Nick Craker, Cornwall Council local member for Liskeard Central, said: “This project represents a significant investment into Liskeard which I am pleased we have been able to secure by working collaboratively. I will be ensuring that the views of all my residents continue to heard as the wider Cattle Market scheme continues to progress.”

Mayor of Liskeard, Simon Cassidy said: “It is great to see the redevelopment of the Cattle Market site begin after many years of uncertainty. We look forward to working with Cornwall Council and their partners as they push forward with this project.”

The scheme is being funded by site owner, Cornwall Council, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and investment by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) from the Government’s Local Growth Fund.