Infrastructure improvements in Penzance Works Begin mid July 2025
Penzance – May 2025
Work to upgrade Penzance’s gas pipes, as well as improve public spaces and safety for walkers in the town centre, are set to begin in mid-July.
The works are part of a joint project involving vital gas pipe replacement and enhancements being delivered as part of the Penzance Town Deal’s Sustainable Travel Programme. While this will inevitably lead to some disruption, it presents a crucial opportunity to improve infrastructure and create a more pedestrian-friendly town centre for the future.
The works to upgrade the gas pipes are being carried out by Wales & West Utilities in three key projects which will require some road closures:
Project 1 - St Clares
- From 24 July, gas pipe upgrade work will take place on Madron Road, followed by St Clares Street.
- From 4 August – 19 September, multi-way traffic lights will be in place at the junction with Centenary Way, Parc Wartha Avenue and Penalverne Drive.
Project 2 - Station Road
- From 22 September – 20 October, a road closure will be in place on Station Road, Market Jew Street, Leskinnick Street and East Terrace.
Project 3 - Market Place
- From 20 October – 1 December, road closures will be in place on Market Jew Street (first 1-2 weeks), Market Place, The Greenmarket, Causewayhead and Alverton Street.
A number of highways schemes are also being delivered as part of the Sustainable Travel Network project over the same period.
These include:
- Market Jew Street improvements. Due to begin July, this work will be carried out during the day while the road is already closed to traffic.
- Works on bus station and Branwells Gyratory – due to begin Sept 2025
- Ponsandane cycle hub scheme– due to begin Sept 2025
- Market Place scheme – due to begin Sept 2025
- Closure of Ross Bridge for strengthening works – due to begin Jan 2026
- Coinagehall Street improvements – due to begin early 2026
Wales & West Utilities and Cormac will be holding a drop-in session to explain these works in more detail on Wednesday 18 June between 9am-5pm at St John’s Hall.
The key aims of the Penzance Sustainable Travel Network project, which is being delivered by Cornwall Council in partnership with the Penzance Town Deal Board, 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. The changes will help to support traffic calming, improve walking and cycling connectivity and introduce additional outdoor space on the high street.
Penzance Sustainable Transport Network has received £3.5 million from the government’s Town Deal programme and £3 million from Cornwall Council. Penzance Town Deal Board, in partnership with Cornwall Council, successfully bid for a Town Deal worth £21.5 million to support a range of projects that will contribute to the town’s regeneration and boost the local economy.
Sarah Shaw, Director of the Penzance BID said “We understand that no time is ideal for disruption, and the BID is working hard to minimise the impact by co-ordinating between all workforces to deliver both the gas pipe upgrades and the town improvement works simultaneously.
Penzance remains very much open for business during this time and residents and visitors alike are urged to continue supporting local shops, restaurants, and cafés throughout the summer and beyond. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this period of transformation. Please bear with us and excuse our appearance while we make some much-needed changes.”
Susan Stuart, Vice Chairman of the Board of the Penzance Town Deal commented “These essential works mark an important step forward in delivering the long-term vision for a greener, more accessible, and better-connected Penzance. While we recognise that the phased road closures will bring some short-term disruption, the benefits they bring — from modernised infrastructure to safer walking and cycling routes — are crucial for the town’s future. Through the Penzance Town Deal and our Sustainable Travel Programme, we’re investing in a town centre that works better for everyone: residents, businesses, and visitors. This is a significant investment in the future of Penzance — one that will make our town more resilient, vibrant, and welcoming for years to come.”
Kieren Couch, Penzance Sustainable Travel Project Lead , added “We are working very closely with all partners to manage the impact of all the schemes which are being carried out in and around Penzance over the coming months and ensure that the works are properly co-ordinated.”
Abby Smith, Wales & West Utilities Programme Controller said, “We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, which is why we’re working collaboratively to agree the best way to get this important work done while causing the least disruption to the community.”
The essential upgrades will help secure the long-term sustainability of the town’s infrastructure and help to build a more vibrant, accessible, and pedestrian-friendly town centre.
ENDS
For further information or images
Press Contact
Diana Massey
Tle 07939584215
Town Deal Transport
Trisha Hewitt
07946654121
Town Deal and Penzance BID
Sarah Shaw
Thank you for your contribution!
Help us reach out to more people in the community
Share this with family and friends