Client: ImerysIn 2006 Imerys Minerals Limited announced a major restructuring of its Cornwall china clay operations, situated within the St Austell china clay area. This process resulted in over 700 hectares of former minerals land being declared surplus to requirements, including clay pits and other drying and processing infrastructure. Imerys wished to use this land resource positively by taking advantage of the unique opportunities presented by the release of this land to regenerate the clay area and create a lasting positive legacy.

We worked with Imerys to review opportunities and helped to prepare the Clay Country Vision in 2008. This sought to create new sustainable communities in and around the existing clay area settlements, to deliver much needed new and affordable housing and stimulate the growth of jobs to tackle the existing socio-economic weakness.

The Clay Country Vision was prepared in close collaboration with Cornwall Council, the Eden Project and other stakeholders, including the local community, and created a strong foundation for the successful bid for eco-town status. The transformational regeneration of the clay area is now a key objective of Cornwall Council’s emerging Core Strategy.

• Town planning • Urban design• Environmental consultancy • Landscape architecture • Graphic design

Awards 2010: RTPI Awards - Commendation for Spatial Strategies

2010: South West Royal Town Planning Institute (SWRTPI) Awards - Commendation

CLAY COUNTRY VISION CORNWALL