A NEW buyer has stepped in for Liskeard's long-time-empty Webb's Hotel, and contracts have been exchanged.

The firm Wykeham Land Ltd of the South Hams, whose property arm is involved in the luxury Discovery Wharf project overlooking Plymouth Harbour, is hoping to complete the purchase of the hotel in August.

Wykeham's managing director, John Steven, said the company had put down a substantial deposit and would definitely buy Webb's, but until surveys etc had been completed and negotiations carried out, could not specifically say exactly what use would be made of it.

However, he stressed that a key move was to develop a close working relationship with Caradon district, Liskeard town and Cornwall county councils, as well keeping the local community involved, as he fully understood it was an important and sensitive site.

He said that Wykeham Land had considered purchasing the hotel around a year ago, but other prospective buyers had come in. Interest had been rekindled when they pulled out. Mr Steven added that a professional team had been organised to look at Webb's, including Alan Leather Associates of Charlestown as architects, Jubb and Partners of Plymouth as structural engineers and Davies, Langdon and Everest as quantity surveyors.

The building has already been structurally surveyed, and a building survey is being carried out before any design, or decision on future use of the property is made. Mr Steven said a use strategy will then be drawn up, but stressed that this will be a long term investment. He said: 'Our approach will be fairly measured, taking a long term view of the asset as a whole.'

Community

It is thought that discussions may be able to start with planners some time in September. Mr Steven said the aim was to develop something that was accepted by the local community, and which was a viable commercial development at the same time. Once a profile of use is established then the company will consider whether they would be eligible for any grants, but they are not in a position to make such decisions at the moment. Nor can they immediately carry out in-depth negotiations as yet with anyone interested in using the building.

Yesterday (Thursday) Trevor Jones, of the J P Leisure Group who run a number of pubs in and around Liskeard as well as the Carlton Suite, said he had worked with Wykeham Land in the past and looked forward to the possibility of talking with them over occupancy of part of Webb's.

Wykeham Land has a substantial amount of money invested in commercial premises in Cornwall and Devon, as well as having their development arm, Wykeham Homes, the residential business which currently has the 59 luxury homes at Discovery Wharf underway, together with developments elsewhere.

Liskeard mayor, Tony Powell, welcomed the move. He said: 'We have been aware of these developments for some time but, having been this route before, have kept our own counsel. We have already had some discussions with the architect regarding the rear of the property and our own interest in the two detached cottages. It will be important that development at the rear complements the outstanding work on the Foresters Hall.

'Furthermore, we have let it be known that we will resist piecemeal development of the site and that we would expect the external refurbishment to be given a high priority. My understanding is that a mixed use with bar/restaurant on the ground floor, office accommodation above and some residential use at the rear is being looked at and has already been discussed with Caradon. I truly hope that this time Webb's will not simply change hands as a speculative move. Indications do this time seem more hopeful.'