Sustainable Travel Network Project
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Plans for new Park and Cycle facility at Ponsandane submitted for approval
Plans to create a new ‘Park & Cycle’ facility on disused land at Ponsandane sidings at Eastern Green have taken a major step forward with the formal submission of the planning application for the Town Deal funded scheme.
Developed in partnership with Network Rail , the proposed scheme involves the construction of a new car park on the former railway sidings on the main approach road into Penzance. The 0.56 hectare site has good links to the town by walking and cycling routes, including the South West Coast path and the Multi Use Trail, with westbound and eastbound bus stops located within 200m to the north of the land.
Aimed at encouraging people arriving by car to leave their vehicle and switch to more sustainable methods of transport, the site will provide 62 car parking spaces, 5 of which will be specifically marked as accessible parking spaces. There will also be a group of 14 secure, lockable 14 cycle stands for those who wish to leave cycles at the Park & Cycle for convenience, and a drop-off area for two vehicles provided adjacent to the cycle stands.
Other elements of the proposed scheme include upgrading the existing pedestrian footbridge over the railway line to improve access to the coastal route for cyclists and pedestrians, with a ‘wheeling channel’ in a contrasting colour (for visual awareness) on the timber bridge sections.
Underground ducting will be installed during the construction to support future provision for electric vehicle charging.
To ensure the new facility is accessible by users of all abilities, the footway along the A30 site frontage will also be widened, together with adjustments to the street lighting, the installation of new tactile crossing points and links to the existing pelican crossing.
Wide grassland areas will be provided along the southern boundary and at either end of the site, with a species-rich hedge, with bird boxes, planted along the northern boundary to the highway.
The planning application can be viewed at Cornwall Council’s online planning register: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/
The reference number for the planning application is PA25/01303.
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.
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Plans for new Park and Cycle facility at Ponsandane submitted for approval
Share Plans for new Park and Cycle facility at Ponsandane submitted for approval on Facebook Share Plans for new Park and Cycle facility at Ponsandane submitted for approval on Twitter Share Plans for new Park and Cycle facility at Ponsandane submitted for approval on Linkedin Email Plans for new Park and Cycle facility at Ponsandane submitted for approval linkPlans to create a new ‘Park & Cycle’ facility on disused land at Ponsandane sidings at Eastern Green have taken a major step forward with the formal submission of the planning application for the Town Deal funded scheme.
Developed in partnership with Network Rail, the Ponsandane scheme is part of the wider 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.
The proposed scheme involves the construction of a new car park on the former railway sidings on the main approach road into Penzance. The 0.56 hectare site has good links to the town by walking and cycling routes, including the South West Coast path and the Multi Use Trail, with westbound and eastbound bus stops located within 200m to the north of the land.
Aimed at encouraging people arriving by car to leave their vehicle and switch to more sustainable methods of transport, the site will provide 62 car parking spaces, 5 of which will be specifically marked as accessible parking spaces. There will also be a group of 14 secure, lockable 14 cycle stands for those who wish to leave cycles at the Park & Cycle for convenience, and a drop-off area for two vehicles provided adjacent to the cycle stands.
Other elements of the proposed scheme include upgrading the existing pedestrian footbridge over the railway line to improve access to the coastal route for cyclists and pedestrians, with a ‘wheeling channel’ in a contrasting colour (for visual awareness) on the timber bridge sections.
Underground ducting will be installed during the construction to support future provision for electric vehicle charging.
To ensure the new facility is accessible by users of all abilities, the footway along the A30 site frontage will also be widened, together with adjustments to the street lighting, the installation of new tactile crossing points and links to the existing pelican crossing.
Wide grassland areas will be provided along the southern boundary and at either end of the site, with a species-rich hedge, with bird boxes, planted along the northern boundary to the highway.
The planning application can be viewed at Cornwall Council’s online planning register: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/
The reference number for the planning application is PA25/01303.
Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economy, said:
“Ponsandane Park and Cycle is a great use of unused land to provide local commuters and visitors alike with a great cycling facility and is another example of how Penzance Town Deal is delivering greener transport options for everyone, into and around the town.”
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.
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Notes to Editors
About the UK Government Town Deals programme
Part of the government’s plan for Levelling Up the UK economy and the wider Towns Fund, the Town Deals programme aims to regenerate towns and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth. This is through investments in urban regeneration, digital and physical connectivity, skills, heritage and enterprise infrastructure. As of July 2021, DLUHC have offered Town Deals to all 101 places that submitted proposals, committing over £2.35bn of investment across c.700 projects nationwide. See the press releases associated with Town Deals on gov.uk.
About the Penzance Towns Fund
In June 2021, Penzance secured a Town Deal of up to £21.5 million following the successful submission of its Town Investment Plan for a range of regeneration projects across Penzance and Newlyn.
In addition, Penzance is the only town in Cornwall and among 72 places nationally who was awarded £10.5 million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund to help the revitalisation of its town centre and high streets.
For more information about Penzance Towns Fund visit: www.penzancetownfund.co.uk
Cornwall is the only area invited by the Government to submit proposals for four of its towns: Camborne, Penzance, St Ives and Truro. After conducting extensive public consultations, each Town Deal Board submitted their Town Investment Plan in collaboration with Cornwall Council. As a result, the Government announced in spring 2021, that Cornwall will receive up to £88.7 million from the Town Deals programme.
Cornwall Council is the Lead Authority for the Towns Fund in Cornwall. Cornwall Council supports the governance role of Penzance Town Deal Board and is responsible for administering the Fund on behalf of the Board. For more information visit: www.cornwall.gov.uk/business-trading-and-licences/economic-development/towns-fund
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Public invited to have their say on transport plans for Market Jew Street and Market Place
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Plans setting out a series of improvements designed to make the centre of Penzance a safer and more attractive and welcoming place for pedestrians and cyclists are being published for formal consultation on Thursday, 14 November.
The proposals for Market Jew Street and Market Place are part of the Penzance 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 changes will help to support traffic calming, improve walking and cycling connectivity and introduce additional outdoor space on the high street.
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 has been awarded £6.1 million from the Penzance Town Deal programme.
You can watch a short video about the Sustainable Travel Network project here : https://youtu.be/tC-fuNvbmRI
The separate schemes for Market Jew Street and Market Place have been developed following extensive engagement with the local community, which has included two previous rounds of consultation. The feedback from residents and businesses have been used to shape the current designs.
Market Jew Street scheme
Whilst the introduction of the pedestrian zone as part of the Healthy Streets PZ scheme has reduced the amount of traffic driving through the town centre at peak times, Market Jew Street is still used by a number of vehicles. Although this is a key area of the town, with some of the most important heritage buildings, the visual appearance and streetscaping also needs significant improvement.
The proposed Town Deal scheme will reinforce the pedestrian zone by creating a more effective gateway and improve accessibility for pedestrians, people with reduced mobility, cyclists and public transport. The overall streetscape and planting will also be enhanced to attract more people into the centre of the town.
Below are some artists impressions of the new scheme:
Market Place scheme
The lack of pedestrian crossings and inadequate footways in this area of the town create significant challenges for pedestrians and people with reduced mobility.
The proposed Town Deal scheme will provide courtesy crossings for pedestrians which will link with the north and south footways. The bus stop layby will be filled in with granite paving to create more pedestrian space and improve the appeal of the area. A new bus shelter will be provided and the bus stop moved out onto the road which will improve user experience.
Below is an artist’s impressions of the proposed scheme:
The statutory consultation, which will run for three weeks from 14 November, is being led by Cormac in partnership with the Penzance Sustainable Travel Network project team. Feedback from the consultation will be used to inform the final designs for the two schemes.
To view details of the proposals for both schemes, including maps and drawings, and to take part in the consultation please visit the transport consultation section on Cornwall Council’s website : www.cornwall.gov.uk/TrafficConsult. Responses can also be provided via email at traffic@cormacltd.co.uk.
A report setting out the results of the consultation, with recommendations on the way forward for both schemes, will be considered by members of the Town Deal Board.
If public consultation feedback is positive, detailed designs can proceed 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 are likely to follow Market Jew Street but will be sensitively co-ordinated to manage the impacts of construction on the town centre.
As the Sustainable Travel Network project is being funded by the Town Deal programme, all the individual schemes must be delivered by March 2026.
Information about the consultation, and the wider Penzance Sustainable Transport Network project, is also available on the Let’s Talk Cornwall site and the Penzance Town Deal website. Please note that responses to the consultation must be submitted via Cornwall Council’s consultation site: www.cornwall.gov.uk/TrafficConsult
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Improvements to New Road, Penzance due to begin on Monday, 18 November
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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.
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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.
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Green light for Penzance Sustainable Travel Network project
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Members of Penzance Town Deal Board have confirmed that seven Town Deal funded schemes are to be delivered in the town over the next two years as part of the Sustainable Travel Network project.
These are the schemes at Market Jew Street, Green Market, Causewayhead, Coinagehall Street and Harbour, Ponsandane, New Road, Newlyn. Work is also taking place to develop a revised scheme at Branwells Mill.
Penzance currently experiences high levels of traffic in the centre of the town, restricting access for people with disabilities and those without access to their own car. There are a limited number of crossings and poor footways which reduce opportunities for walking and cycling. Some of the gateways into Penzance are also poor and do not convey a welcoming entrance to the town. The centre of Newlyn is dominated by vehicles which impacts on the attractiveness of the town and retail and leisure opportunities.
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.
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 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.
“The overall aim of the Town Deal programme is to help regenerate Penzance “ said Martin Tucker, Chair of Penzance Town Deal Board. “The Sustainable Travel project is one that has been a long time in the making, with a huge amount of thought and feedback from the local community shaping the final schemes. We want to make our streets more attractive, safe and useable for pedestrians and cyclists, through managing traffic and major investment in environmental improvements and landscaping.”
"It's great to see the new Sustainable Travel Network for Penzance get the green light from its Town Deal Board” added Cornwall Council portfolio holder for the economy Louis Gardner. “The board and council officers have overcome economic, construction industry and technical challenges to turn local aspirations for greener and more welcoming streets into solid plans with Town Deal funding from Cornwall Council."
The original plan involved redesigning key areas of Penzance town centre. While members of Penzance Town Deal Board remain committed to the overall aims of creating a Sustainable Travel Network for Penzance, the impact of increases in interest rates and construction costs has affected the affordability of the project.
Some of the individual schemes, including the scheme for Branwells Mill, Newlyn, Ponsandane, Wharf Road and the South West Coast Path through the car park, also face particular challenges because of complex technical and buildability issues. As a result it is no longer possible to deliver all the original proposals within the funding which is currently available.
After discussing all the options, the Town Deal Board has agreed that the schemes for Market Jew Street, Green Market, Causewayhead, and Coinagehall Street and Harbour schemes, together with a reduced scheme for Ponsandane, will move into the delivery phase of the Sustainable Travel Network project.
There will also be special schemes to improve challenging areas for pedestrians and traffic in New Road and at Newlyn, with Cornwall Council confirming that the £125,000 costs of the Newlyn scheme will be funded from alternative sources if it cannot be met from within the Town Deal budget.
The Board have also confirmed the importance of addressing the issues around Branwells Mill. £250,000 of Town Deal funding has been allocated towards the costs of developing a revised scheme which will be delivered with the use of other funding, including the Bus Service Improvement Plan. Work is now taking place with partners to investigate potential options for the revised scheme.
Facilities for bike parking, bike hire and storage will be provided beside the bus and train stations to encourage linked, bus and bike use.
The Wharf Road, and the South West Coast Path schemes have been placed in reserve alongside the Western Promenade scheme. This ensures that they can be progressed in the future if additional funding is secured.
The project will support a series of attractive improvements up through the town centre, from the Branwell's Mill gyratory, up Market Jew Street to Greenmarket and the top of Causewayhead, making the town centre a more attractive and pedestrian and cycle-friendly place, and linking it to the Harbour and waterfront.
“The final project will open up the town and provide space for people to walk around freely, to be relaxed, to enjoy all that there's to offer and really bring some vibrancy to the centre of Penzance” said Martin Tucker.
As the Sustainable Travel Network project is being funded by the Town Deal programme, all the individual schemes must be delivered by March 2026. Detailed design work is now taking place for the confirmed schemes.
As is usual with transport schemes, statutory public consultation will be carried out by Cornwall Council’s highways department before any final decisions are made to implement the proposals.
Regular updates on individual schemes will be provided via the Let’s Talk Cornwall and Penzance Town Deal website and social media channels, the Town Deal newsletter and articles in the local media.
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Documents
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Public invited to have their say on transport plans for Market Jew Street and Market Place .pdf (543 KB) (pdf)
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Improvements to New Road due to begin on Monday, 18 November .pdf (100 KB) (pdf)
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Briefing on Penzance Sustainable Travel Network project .pdf (105 KB) (pdf)
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Green light for Penzance Sustainable Travel Network .pdf (108 KB) (pdf)
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Information Poster -PZ Town Deal Sustainable Travel Network (3.01 MB) (pdf)
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Flier Sustainable Travel Network Engagement Event (2.79 MB) (pdf)
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General Plan.pdf (1.19 MB) (pdf)
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Site Notice 1.pdf (768 KB) (pdf)
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site notice 2.pdf (558 KB) (pdf)
Videos
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Market Jew Street consultation
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Penzance Sustainable Travel Network
