Improvements to New Road, Penzance due to begin on Monday, 18 November

Work to provide safer pedestrian access across New Road into Newlyn Green, together with the installation of new signage to help reduce vehicle speeds, is due to begin on Monday, 18 November.

The improvements to New Road are being funded by the Penzance Town Deal Sustainable Travel Network project, which is being delivered by Cornwall Council in partnership with the Penzance Town Deal Board.

You can view a short video about the project here :

This is the first scheme to be constructed as part of the 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.

There are currently no pedestrian crossings on New Road that directly link to Newlyn Green, severing the area northwest of the road from Newlyn Green and the coast path. The works include the construction of two signalised puffin crossings and new steps and ramps at the entrance to the park. These are designed to provide safe, improved access to Newlyn Green and the Penlee Bowling Club for all pedestrians, including those in wheelchairs, or with prams.

A new "Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) displaying 20mph will also be installed to help to control vehicle speeds to ensure compliance with a revised 20 mph speed limit.

“I am delighted to see that work is due to begin on New Road “ said Penzance Town Deal Chairman Martin Tucker. “One of the key aims of our Sustainable Transport project is to make our roads and streets more attractive, safe and useable for pedestrians and cyclists.

“This scheme will make it easier and safer for people to cross this busy road and access the facilities at Newlyn Green and I can’t wait to see it completed.”

Welcoming the start of the works, local Cornwall Councillor Jim McKenna said “I am delighted that access to Newlyn Green is being opened up and made safe. Particular thanks must go to John Garrison, who, sadly, is no longer with us, but who campaigned for many years to get a crossing adjacent to the Bowling Club.

“I am pleased that Cornwall Highways listened to the feedback from the public consultation and removed the unnecessary raised crossings which were part of their original design” .

The scheme is being constructed by Cormac, with traffic lights in use for the majority of the work to enable the team to work safely. The works are currently due to be completed by March 2025, with a two week break over the Christmas period.

“We recognise that the use of traffic lights on this road will inevitably cause some temporary disruption to motorists “ said Cormac project manager Tom James. “We will be monitoring the traffic closely and will have operatives manually controlling lights throughout the day, to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible and delays are kept to a minimum.”

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economy, added “I'm pleased to see the first phase of Sustainable Travel Network being delivered and to start with a scheme that creates safe and accessible routes for local residents to Newlyn Green, the bowling green and the coast path.”

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

The New Road 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 between 18 November and 13 December.

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

Ends

Notes to editors

The Sustainable Travel Network project has received £6.6 m from the government’s Town Deal programme which aims to boost the local economy and opportunities for residents.

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 St Ives own Deal Board and administrates the fund.