Falmouth University study centre , student rooms Pydar Truro

Cornwall Council has approved the first of two Reserved Matters applications which provide more detail on the development and follows the granting of Outline Planning Consent for the whole of the site in November 2019.

Following a constructive planning process, working closely with the City Council and the local community, Treveth Development LLP’s proposal to transform the Pydar site into a vibrant and sustainable mixed-use development, on behalf of Cornwall Council, has received the green light.

This approval reflects the public’s support for Pydar – with over 90% of local respondents supporting the scheme – as well as the positive endorsement for Pydar from Truro City Council in March 2023.

Pydar will provide much-needed housing, commercial, and leisure facilities, as well as public spaces, including a new town square, which will serve as the heart of the new community.

These first two phases will provide 164 new dwellings (35% affordable provision) together with a new study centre for Falmouth University and 166 student bedrooms; all with the intention of adding to the vitality of Truro’s town centre. The scheme will also create a significant number of jobs and support the local economy.

A computer generated image of how the site will look (Image: pydar.co.uk)

Mayor of Truro, Carol Swain, said: "This is fantastic news for Truro and for Cornwall as a whole. The Pydar development will transform this neglected area of our city into a thriving community hub, providing new homes, jobs, and recreational opportunities. We are thrilled that the project has received approval and look forward to working with Treveth Development LLP to bring this vision to life."

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy, said: “The Pydar regeneration project has been a long time in the making, and we will continue to work with Treveth to ensure it meets the needs of our residents. This neighbourhood will bring significant benefits to the local community and support the city's growth and prosperity.”

Greg Slater, Head of Design, Decarbonisation & Environment for Treveth Development LLP, said: "We are delighted to have received approval for these Reserved Matters Applications for the Pydar development. Our team has worked closely with local stakeholders, Truro City Council and Cornwall Council to create a development that will be a catalyst for positive change in Truro. We are committed to delivering a sustainable and vibrant community that will provide new homes, jobs, and leisure facilities, as well as enhancing the local environment."

James Windsor, Director of Inner Circle Consulting, who advised Treveth Development LLP on the Pydar project, added: "The approval of the Reserved Matters Application for the Pydar project is a significant milestone in the project's progress. We are pleased that our collaborative approach with the City and local communities has resulted in a design that is sympathetic to the local environment while delivering much-needed housing and amenities. We look forward to continuing our work with Treveth Development LLP as the project progresses."

Alex Andone, Associate Director at PRP, who guided the designs for Phase 1A and 1B along with the wider masterplan, shared: “We are delighted that Pydar Phase 1A and 1B have been approved. A high quality, sustainable development in an inclusive, active and biodiverse public realm are the heart of the proposals. The former brownfield site has a direct connection to the city centre and will create an urban neighbourhood that celebrates Truro’s unique cultural and historic identity, while offering a new and exciting type of city living that will diversify the homes on offer.

The Pydar development will consist of over 300 high-quality and energy-efficient new homes, including affordable housing, 450 student beds alongside a new educational presence for Falmouth University and a range of ancillary retail, leisure, and office spaces. The new neighbourhood will also include a new hotel, which will help to support the local tourism industry. The public spaces within the development will be designed to encourage community engagement and provide opportunities for social interaction.

The project has been designed with sustainability in mind, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting biodiversity. The project will include green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and electric vehicle charging points, as well as extensive landscaping to provide habitats for local wildlife.

Treveth Development LLP will work closely with Partners to ensure that the development is integrated into the wider community and provides benefits for all. The project will create approximately 700 jobs during construction, and once completed, it will support an estimated 500 permanent jobs in the commercial, leisure, and hospitality sectors.

The Pydar project is a significant investment in Truro's future. The project will provide new homes, jobs, and leisure facilities, as well as enhancing the local environment and supporting the city's growth and prosperity.

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The next stage of the project will move on to detailed design development and procurement. Treveth Development LLP and Partners will continue to work closely to ensure that the project progresses smoothly and delivers the promised benefits for Truro and Cornwall.

This project has been assisted by the Government’s One Public Estate Programme’s Brownfield Land Release Fund, which unlocked £2.45m in funding to undertake site planning, analysis, and delivery activity.

The Pydar project, located next to the town centre in the heart of Truro, is vital to the long-term health and prosperity of the city by providing much needed affordable housing, new walking and cycling paths, and improving biodiversity along the River Allen. For more information on the Pydar project and how you can have your say, visit pydar.co.uk, email pydar@cornwall.gov.uk, or follow @PydarTruro on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.