BUDE-Stratton Town Council is to explore the opportunities in how to purchase the old Hookways bus station site in the town.

This was a matter up for discussion at the full council meeting on Thursday, October 4, at which councillors spoke about match funding and costs.

The town council is currently undergoing discussions, with no decision made as yet, to purchase the site with a view to redevelop it, providing parking and possibly some commercial or even residential space.

Cllr Paul Tilzey began discussions, saying: “It could be seen as a community asset and it’s not going anywhere — we should do something with it for the people of Bude.

“It would be prudent to put our foot in the water.”

However, acting town clerk and responsible financial officer for the council, Keith Cornwell, was hesitant to delve straight into this site.

He said: “I’d like this to be taken at a pace that allows us to think through getting the business plan that describes what we are going to have to do.”

The old Hookways garage site is opposite the Co-op at the top of Lansdown Road, what is seen as an important town centre location. It has been empty for some time and currently on the market.

Cllr Bob Willingham, mayor, confirmed: “So we won’t get match funding with our present design.”

Mr Cornwell continued: “While the monies are at the exploring stage, it’s not something that comes easy. There would be a cost.”

Cllr Tilzey added: “There’s a cost to everything!”

Cllr Lea Deely suggested more information would be needed to look into a possible project further. She said: “Instead of discussing this here tonight, perhaps we should explore the opportunities for the site.”

Cllr Deely then proposed that the council explores the district value for potential purchase of the site. The vote was unanimous.

The project is still in the very early stages, so possibilities are to be examined. One key issue the town council faces will be the price of the site.

Following the meeting, Mr Cornwell said: “As a local authority, we are bound by various rules on property purchase, one being that we need to have district valuer services. The specialist property arm of the Government’s Valuation Office Agency provide an independent assessment of a property’s worth before we can proceed.”