Sustainable Travel Network Project

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Latest News

Update on plans for Market Jew Street and Market Place.

Extensive engagement with the local community has shaped proposals for a ‘Sustainable Travel Network’ in Penzance. The £6.5 million Town Deal and Cornwall Council funded network aims to transform travel in and around the town, creating a fully sustainable network of safe and accessible walking, cycling and functional green and open urban spaces.

In December and January, detailed plans for Market Jew Street and Market Place, just two elements of the network, went back for final feedback. The views of Penzance residents and businesses have been listened to, with the amended plans set to go forward capturing local priorities.

We would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation for the proposals for Market Jew Street and Market Place. We have listened carefully to the feedback for both schemes and have made changes put forward by local stakeholders, to the designs.

Market Jew Street

Proposals include reinforcing the pedestrian zone, improving accessibility for pedestrians, people with reduced mobility, cyclists and public transport, and enhancing the streetscape and planting.

Feedback from many of the 94 respondents included: “great idea to make the high street more pedestrian friendly. If anything, it should go further as it will encourage footfall and keep shoppers in the town spending money supporting the retailers" and "this is an entrance to the high street for pedestrians walking from the train station and the proposed changes which create a sense of arrival in the high street."

While plans to provide more planting were broadly supported, there were questions on how the additional plants would be maintained as local volunteers cannot currently take on extra areas within the town. It was agreed a sustainable maintenance regime for the town’s additional green spaces needs to be derived. Although a solution is not yet in place, the project team are collaborating with the community’s leaders to settle on an appropriate solution to ensure the planting prospers.

Reduced parking, loading areas and the impact of the existing pedestrian zone restrictions, particularly on disabled people, also drew observations.

Increased disabled parking has been recently provided in the town centre to help mitigate the effects of the pedestrian zone. While the project team recognise concerns about parking, there is wider support for visitors and residents to move around by foot and by cycle more safely and easily, enhancing the overall town centre experience.

In response to specific observations made, addressing operational concerns raised by local businesses over the removal of a loading bay, the plans now see this put back in place. Other points addressed include:

• A new, shorter crossing making it easier for pedestrians and disabled people to use and reinforcing a pedestrianised feel.

• The realignment of the entrance to Market Jew Street and the increased pedestrian feel created by seating and crossings to dissuade traffic from entering the street.

All other measures included in the original scheme will be retained as originally proposed.

Market Place

The proposals for Market Place are designed to improve crossing points and footways including converting the existing bus layby into a pedestrian space, providing room for a bus shelter and additional landscaping.

Positive comments included “I'd like to say I'm totally behind this development to make this area more pedestrian friendly and accessible. The planned planting looks great" and "Lovely idea. Penzance is going to be even nicer to visit, shop and live in".

However, those less supportive, including the local member Cllr Jim Mckenna, raised concerns over the potential traffic implications from buses stopping within the carriageway as a result of losing the layby.

After considering all observations raised and listening to the community’s voice, the project team propose to retain the existing bus layby. This will impact the available space for landscaping but a focus on pedestrian improvements is still likely to be achievable with its retention.

Details of the results of the consultation, and the recommended changes for both schemes, have been shared with members of the Town Deal working group who have supported the proposed adaptions.

Work will now take place on developing detailed final designs with a view to progressing construction of the Market Jew Street scheme in Autumn 2025 after the busy summer tourist period (and following completion of the nearby Causewayhead Town Deal scheme).

Improvements to Market Place will follow the completion of the Market Jew Street scheme, and will be co-ordinated to manage the impacts of construction on the town centre.


Update on Penzance’s bus station improvements plans

Plans to improve access for buses, pedestrians and cyclists around the bus station at Penzance have been published for statutory consultation.

The scheme is part of Cornwall’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) which is being developed by Cornwall Council in partnership with bus operators and Network Rail to enhance public transport by creating more reliable, affordable, and integrated bus services. It also supports the objectives of the Sustainable Travel Network project.

The existing road network in and around the bus station in Penzance creates a pinch point which can lead to congestion and delays for people trying to access the bus and rail services

The aim of this scheme, which has been developed following a detailed road safety audit, is to address these challenges and create a safer, more accessible environment for pedestrians and passengers.

The proposed scheme sets out a range of measures designed to address the current traffic delays, improve journey time reliability, and enhance accessibility to key transport hubs, including the bus and rail stations. These include new crossings points, road markings and no waiting restrictions, traffic calming measures, junction priority changes, and an extended bus bay.

Specific proposals include

• Introduction of No Waiting At Any Time restrictions and Bus stop markings along Albert Pier leading to Penzance Bus Station and Harbour Long Stay Car Park. This will help reduce the current conflict between buses and private vehicles accessing Penzance Bus Station

• Change of priorities at Albert Street/Wharf Road Junction to reduce delays and improve reliability for buses leaving the bus station.

• Improved pedestrian crossing facilities at the entrance to Penzance Bus Station.

• Carriageway adjustments including kerb buildouts to support the wider improvements

The statutory consultation is being led by Cormac in partnership with Cornwall Council and Penzance Town Council. Feedback will be used to inform the final designs.

Details of the plans, including maps and drawings, are available on the transport consultation section on the Cornwall Council’s website. Consultation is due to end on 7 March. To take part please visit the Council’s website.

Responses can also be provided via email at traffic@cormacltd.co.uk.

Works to enhance Causewayhead began on Monday, 6 January 2025

Works to improve access for pedestrians and cyclists at Causewayhead and provide a more attractive gateway into Penzance began on Monday, 6 January.

The improvements are being funded by the Penzance Town Deal Sustainable Travel Network project which aims to transform travel in and around the town, creating a fully sustainable network of safe and accessible walking, cycling and functional green and open urban spaces. The project is being delivered by Cornwall Council in partnership with the Penzance Town Deal Board.

Currently seen as an unattractive gateway into the town for people who live or arrive from the north, Causewayhead also experiences problems with “rat running” and has a lack of footways, with some of the existing pedestrian crossings in the wrong places.

Statutory consultation on the proposals was carried out earlier this year. This resulted in a change to the final design to retain pedestrian crossings as requested by the local community.

The scheme will improve walkway and cycling connectivity with improved crossings, increased footway space and traffic calming measures. It will also complement the new Creative Cluster building and create a more attractive gateway with additional open green space, new planting and seating on the high street.

Specific enhancements include widening the existing footway on Causewayhead, installing new granite paving and tactile paving, improving the existing zebra crossing on St Clare St and providing a raised table pedestrian crossing where Causewayhead meets Clarence Street. The existing zebra crossing on Taroveor Road will also be removed and replaced with an uncontrolled, “build out” crossing point, which reduces crossing distance for pedestrians.

The carriageway will be fully resurfaced with new road markings, and pedestrian areas will receive new decorative landscaping and street furniture such as benches and bicycle stands.

The scheme is being constructed by Cormac, with three-way traffic lights in use for the majority of the work to enable the team to work safely.

“This is a busy area and, while we understand the importance of keeping the traffic flowing as well as possible at all times during the construction, we also need to ensure the safety of the teams working on site” said Cormac project manager Tom James.

“We recognise that the works will inevitably cause some temporary disruption to motorists and will be monitoring the traffic closely to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible and delays are kept to a minimum.”

Access for residents and businesses, and for deliveries and to car parks will be maintained at all times.

The final resurfacing and application of road markings will be carried out at night time towards the end of the programme, as a full road closure will be required.

The works are currently due to be completed in June 2025

Anyone with queries or concerns about the works is asked to call 0300 1234 222 or email Cormac at contracting@cormacltd.co.uk

The Causewayhead scheme is one of a number of projects which are taking place in Penzance over the coming months. These include the development at Coinagehall Street, which involves the closure of the street between Battery Road and Coinagehall Mews to traffic (pedestrian access is being maintained along the pavement), the closure of St Anthony’s car park for remodelling and the closure of one section of Quay Street.

Partners are working closely together to manage the impact of all the schemes and ensure that the works are properly co-ordinated.

You can view a short video about the Sustainable Travel Network project here :


About the Sustainable Travel Network Project

The key aims of the Penzance Sustainable Travel Network project are to transform travel in and around the town, creating a fully sustainable network of safe and accessible walking, cycling and functional green and open urban spaces.

This includes implementing high quality public realm at key spatial locations and complementary to major investments, for example Causewayhead Creative Cluster, Coinagehall, the waterfront and town centre. The changes will help to support traffic calming, improve walking and cycling connectivity and introduce additional outdoor space on the high-street.

The Sustainable Travel Network project will enable residents and visitors to make more sustainable and greener choices for how they travel by:

  • enhancing and connectivity within Penzance and Newlyn
  • building a network of safe walking and cycling paths
  • reducing traffic congestion and pollution
  • improving the health and well-being of residents and visitors
  • supporting the local economy and regeneration.
  • creating more public space and greenery in Penzance

The proposals focus on several locations including Market Place and Green Market, the top of Causewayhead, Branwells Gyratory, Coinagehall Street, Market Jew Street, Wharf Road and New Road.

In 2021 Penzance Town Deal Board, in partnership with Cornwall Council, successfully bid for a Town Deal worth £21.9 million to support a range of projects that will contribute to the town’s regeneration and boost the local economy. Cornwall Council is the lead authority for Cornwall Town Deals and supports the governance role of the Penzance Board and administrates the fund.

The Sustainable Travel Network project is being delivered by Cornwall Council in partnership with the Penzance Town Deal Board. It is part of seven revitalisation projects funded by £21.5million from the Government’s Town Deal programme. The Sustainable Travel Network project has been awarded £6.1 million from the Penzance Town Deal program

About the Penzance Town Deal

Penzance was one of four locations in Cornwall selected to bid for the Government’s £3.6b Towns Fund, which aims to drive economic regeneration and level up the region’s economy.

Penzance secured a Town Deal of up to £21.5 m in June 2021, after submitting a Town Investment Plan that outlines seven projects to revitalise Penzance and Newlyn.

To implement the plan, Penzance Town Deal Board collaborates with funded partner organisations and Cornwall Council. Together they aim to create a thriving, resilient place with a diverse economy, providing quality jobs, opportunities, homes and lifestyles. Somewhere that’s welcoming, connects locals and visitors to its inspiring coastline and culture, and puts people and planet first.

These projects are part funded by the Government's Town Deal programme and delivered by Cornwall Council in partnership with the Penzance Town Deal Board.

Find out more about the Penzance Town Deal programme here:

https://penzancetownfund.co.uk

You can also follow Penzance Town Deal on social media.

Facebook

Instagram

Latest News

Update on plans for Market Jew Street and Market Place.

Extensive engagement with the local community has shaped proposals for a ‘Sustainable Travel Network’ in Penzance. The £6.5 million Town Deal and Cornwall Council funded network aims to transform travel in and around the town, creating a fully sustainable network of safe and accessible walking, cycling and functional green and open urban spaces.

In December and January, detailed plans for Market Jew Street and Market Place, just two elements of the network, went back for final feedback. The views of Penzance residents and businesses have been listened to, with the amended plans set to go forward capturing local priorities.

We would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation for the proposals for Market Jew Street and Market Place. We have listened carefully to the feedback for both schemes and have made changes put forward by local stakeholders, to the designs.

Market Jew Street

Proposals include reinforcing the pedestrian zone, improving accessibility for pedestrians, people with reduced mobility, cyclists and public transport, and enhancing the streetscape and planting.

Feedback from many of the 94 respondents included: “great idea to make the high street more pedestrian friendly. If anything, it should go further as it will encourage footfall and keep shoppers in the town spending money supporting the retailers" and "this is an entrance to the high street for pedestrians walking from the train station and the proposed changes which create a sense of arrival in the high street."

While plans to provide more planting were broadly supported, there were questions on how the additional plants would be maintained as local volunteers cannot currently take on extra areas within the town. It was agreed a sustainable maintenance regime for the town’s additional green spaces needs to be derived. Although a solution is not yet in place, the project team are collaborating with the community’s leaders to settle on an appropriate solution to ensure the planting prospers.

Reduced parking, loading areas and the impact of the existing pedestrian zone restrictions, particularly on disabled people, also drew observations.

Increased disabled parking has been recently provided in the town centre to help mitigate the effects of the pedestrian zone. While the project team recognise concerns about parking, there is wider support for visitors and residents to move around by foot and by cycle more safely and easily, enhancing the overall town centre experience.

In response to specific observations made, addressing operational concerns raised by local businesses over the removal of a loading bay, the plans now see this put back in place. Other points addressed include:

• A new, shorter crossing making it easier for pedestrians and disabled people to use and reinforcing a pedestrianised feel.

• The realignment of the entrance to Market Jew Street and the increased pedestrian feel created by seating and crossings to dissuade traffic from entering the street.

All other measures included in the original scheme will be retained as originally proposed.

Market Place

The proposals for Market Place are designed to improve crossing points and footways including converting the existing bus layby into a pedestrian space, providing room for a bus shelter and additional landscaping.

Positive comments included “I'd like to say I'm totally behind this development to make this area more pedestrian friendly and accessible. The planned planting looks great" and "Lovely idea. Penzance is going to be even nicer to visit, shop and live in".

However, those less supportive, including the local member Cllr Jim Mckenna, raised concerns over the potential traffic implications from buses stopping within the carriageway as a result of losing the layby.

After considering all observations raised and listening to the community’s voice, the project team propose to retain the existing bus layby. This will impact the available space for landscaping but a focus on pedestrian improvements is still likely to be achievable with its retention.

Details of the results of the consultation, and the recommended changes for both schemes, have been shared with members of the Town Deal working group who have supported the proposed adaptions.

Work will now take place on developing detailed final designs with a view to progressing construction of the Market Jew Street scheme in Autumn 2025 after the busy summer tourist period (and following completion of the nearby Causewayhead Town Deal scheme).

Improvements to Market Place will follow the completion of the Market Jew Street scheme, and will be co-ordinated to manage the impacts of construction on the town centre.


Update on Penzance’s bus station improvements plans

Plans to improve access for buses, pedestrians and cyclists around the bus station at Penzance have been published for statutory consultation.

The scheme is part of Cornwall’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) which is being developed by Cornwall Council in partnership with bus operators and Network Rail to enhance public transport by creating more reliable, affordable, and integrated bus services. It also supports the objectives of the Sustainable Travel Network project.

The existing road network in and around the bus station in Penzance creates a pinch point which can lead to congestion and delays for people trying to access the bus and rail services

The aim of this scheme, which has been developed following a detailed road safety audit, is to address these challenges and create a safer, more accessible environment for pedestrians and passengers.

The proposed scheme sets out a range of measures designed to address the current traffic delays, improve journey time reliability, and enhance accessibility to key transport hubs, including the bus and rail stations. These include new crossings points, road markings and no waiting restrictions, traffic calming measures, junction priority changes, and an extended bus bay.

Specific proposals include

• Introduction of No Waiting At Any Time restrictions and Bus stop markings along Albert Pier leading to Penzance Bus Station and Harbour Long Stay Car Park. This will help reduce the current conflict between buses and private vehicles accessing Penzance Bus Station

• Change of priorities at Albert Street/Wharf Road Junction to reduce delays and improve reliability for buses leaving the bus station.

• Improved pedestrian crossing facilities at the entrance to Penzance Bus Station.

• Carriageway adjustments including kerb buildouts to support the wider improvements

The statutory consultation is being led by Cormac in partnership with Cornwall Council and Penzance Town Council. Feedback will be used to inform the final designs.

Details of the plans, including maps and drawings, are available on the transport consultation section on the Cornwall Council’s website. Consultation is due to end on 7 March. To take part please visit the Council’s website.

Responses can also be provided via email at traffic@cormacltd.co.uk.

Works to enhance Causewayhead began on Monday, 6 January 2025

Works to improve access for pedestrians and cyclists at Causewayhead and provide a more attractive gateway into Penzance began on Monday, 6 January.

The improvements are being funded by the Penzance Town Deal Sustainable Travel Network project which aims to transform travel in and around the town, creating a fully sustainable network of safe and accessible walking, cycling and functional green and open urban spaces. The project is being delivered by Cornwall Council in partnership with the Penzance Town Deal Board.

Currently seen as an unattractive gateway into the town for people who live or arrive from the north, Causewayhead also experiences problems with “rat running” and has a lack of footways, with some of the existing pedestrian crossings in the wrong places.

Statutory consultation on the proposals was carried out earlier this year. This resulted in a change to the final design to retain pedestrian crossings as requested by the local community.

The scheme will improve walkway and cycling connectivity with improved crossings, increased footway space and traffic calming measures. It will also complement the new Creative Cluster building and create a more attractive gateway with additional open green space, new planting and seating on the high street.

Specific enhancements include widening the existing footway on Causewayhead, installing new granite paving and tactile paving, improving the existing zebra crossing on St Clare St and providing a raised table pedestrian crossing where Causewayhead meets Clarence Street. The existing zebra crossing on Taroveor Road will also be removed and replaced with an uncontrolled, “build out” crossing point, which reduces crossing distance for pedestrians.

The carriageway will be fully resurfaced with new road markings, and pedestrian areas will receive new decorative landscaping and street furniture such as benches and bicycle stands.

The scheme is being constructed by Cormac, with three-way traffic lights in use for the majority of the work to enable the team to work safely.

“This is a busy area and, while we understand the importance of keeping the traffic flowing as well as possible at all times during the construction, we also need to ensure the safety of the teams working on site” said Cormac project manager Tom James.

“We recognise that the works will inevitably cause some temporary disruption to motorists and will be monitoring the traffic closely to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible and delays are kept to a minimum.”

Access for residents and businesses, and for deliveries and to car parks will be maintained at all times.

The final resurfacing and application of road markings will be carried out at night time towards the end of the programme, as a full road closure will be required.

The works are currently due to be completed in June 2025

Anyone with queries or concerns about the works is asked to call 0300 1234 222 or email Cormac at contracting@cormacltd.co.uk

The Causewayhead scheme is one of a number of projects which are taking place in Penzance over the coming months. These include the development at Coinagehall Street, which involves the closure of the street between Battery Road and Coinagehall Mews to traffic (pedestrian access is being maintained along the pavement), the closure of St Anthony’s car park for remodelling and the closure of one section of Quay Street.

Partners are working closely together to manage the impact of all the schemes and ensure that the works are properly co-ordinated.

You can view a short video about the Sustainable Travel Network project here :


About the Sustainable Travel Network Project

The key aims of the Penzance Sustainable Travel Network project are to transform travel in and around the town, creating a fully sustainable network of safe and accessible walking, cycling and functional green and open urban spaces.

This includes implementing high quality public realm at key spatial locations and complementary to major investments, for example Causewayhead Creative Cluster, Coinagehall, the waterfront and town centre. The changes will help to support traffic calming, improve walking and cycling connectivity and introduce additional outdoor space on the high-street.

The Sustainable Travel Network project will enable residents and visitors to make more sustainable and greener choices for how they travel by:

  • enhancing and connectivity within Penzance and Newlyn
  • building a network of safe walking and cycling paths
  • reducing traffic congestion and pollution
  • improving the health and well-being of residents and visitors
  • supporting the local economy and regeneration.
  • creating more public space and greenery in Penzance

The proposals focus on several locations including Market Place and Green Market, the top of Causewayhead, Branwells Gyratory, Coinagehall Street, Market Jew Street, Wharf Road and New Road.

In 2021 Penzance Town Deal Board, in partnership with Cornwall Council, successfully bid for a Town Deal worth £21.9 million to support a range of projects that will contribute to the town’s regeneration and boost the local economy. Cornwall Council is the lead authority for Cornwall Town Deals and supports the governance role of the Penzance Board and administrates the fund.

The Sustainable Travel Network project is being delivered by Cornwall Council in partnership with the Penzance Town Deal Board. It is part of seven revitalisation projects funded by £21.5million from the Government’s Town Deal programme. The Sustainable Travel Network project has been awarded £6.1 million from the Penzance Town Deal program

About the Penzance Town Deal

Penzance was one of four locations in Cornwall selected to bid for the Government’s £3.6b Towns Fund, which aims to drive economic regeneration and level up the region’s economy.

Penzance secured a Town Deal of up to £21.5 m in June 2021, after submitting a Town Investment Plan that outlines seven projects to revitalise Penzance and Newlyn.

To implement the plan, Penzance Town Deal Board collaborates with funded partner organisations and Cornwall Council. Together they aim to create a thriving, resilient place with a diverse economy, providing quality jobs, opportunities, homes and lifestyles. Somewhere that’s welcoming, connects locals and visitors to its inspiring coastline and culture, and puts people and planet first.

These projects are part funded by the Government's Town Deal programme and delivered by Cornwall Council in partnership with the Penzance Town Deal Board.

Find out more about the Penzance Town Deal programme here:

https://penzancetownfund.co.uk

You can also follow Penzance Town Deal on social media.

Facebook

Instagram

  • CLOSED: The consultation has now closed. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to respond to the questionnaire.

    Penzance Town Deal - Sustainable Travel Network Project Questionnaire

    In June 2021, the Government announced that Penzance was successful in its bid to the Town Deal Fund. Penzance has been allocated up to £21.5 million from the Town Deal fund to support seven projects that will improve the town’s prosperity, infrastructure and sustainable economic growth.

    The project is a practical response to the Climate Emergency declaration made by Penzance Town Council and Cornwall Council in 2019. The Sustainable Travel Network Project aims to make improvements that will enhance the town centre and enable residents and visitors make more sustainable and greener choices for how they travel.

    Through this survey we would like to hear your views and gather your comments, concerns and ideas so we can set out a development that everybody can be proud of. We anticipate this questionnaire will take up to 15 minutes to complete.


    Thank you for your time.

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Page last updated: 21 Feb 2025, 08:37 PM