Multi-million-pound investment project to transform Penzance

The plans, fuelled by a combined £37 million funding pot from the government's Town Deal and Future High Streets Fund, along with Cornwall Council, aim to create a vibrant and thriving town centre that caters to the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Martin Tucker, Chair of Penzance Town Deal said: “It is going to be a very busy time across the whole of Penzance for the next 19 months, and I appreciate we are asking everyone to dig deep for this final and significant phase of delivering new homes, enhanced public spaces, and safer and greener travel connecting the town to the coast.

“With so much to be delivered over the unavoidable same period, our patience, planning and persistence will pay off.”

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economy, said: “I am pleased to see so many plans for Penzance that have been carefully shaped around local ambitions, reach this stage.

“There is always a degree of discomfort when it comes to achieving transformational plans, so I urge people to allow time for their journeys and to look forward to a revitalised Penzance.”

Three key projects will kick off the transformation this winter:

Coinagehall Street Regeneration: 

This major project will see the creation of high-quality, affordable apartments and mews houses for rent and sale, along with commercial spaces to stimulate the local economy.

 The development will be inspired by Art Deco architecture and offer views of St Anthony's Gardens.

Demolition has already commenced, with utility disconnections and site clearance starting soon.

The revitalisation of St Anthony's Gardens and Car Park:

This will see the creation of an open and welcoming garden setting and reconnection with Coinagehall Street via step-free access.

A planting palette to withstand the harsh coastal conditions will provide a colourful, year-round backdrop to this public space.

With so many building works taking place, the gardens will be the first element of this scheme to be completed so the area looks better, and faster.

St Anthony’s car park will be remodelled. This will include increasing the size of parking spaces to modern requirements, installing several disabled spaces re-purposing stone from the Gardens to enhance the car park boundaries, and planting.

Sustainable Travel Network: 

Work is progressing on the development and delivery of the Sustainable Travel Network 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. Consultation on the proposals for Market Jew Street and Market Place will take place towards the end of October, with work on improving pedestrian access to Newlyn Green across New Road due to begin mid-November.

Impact on Traffic and Access

There will be road closures in place during times of construction (Image: Google Maps)
 

To facilitate these projects, there will be some disruption to traffic and access in various areas of Penzance.

Here's what you need to know:

Coinagehall Street: Closed from Battery Road to Coinagehall Mews from October 28. Reopens between Green Street and Coinagehall Mews on November 22.

Pedestrians and access only from Battery Road to Green Street from 2028 onwards.

St Anthony's Car Park: Closed from November 4 and will reopen in March 2025.

Quay Street: One section will be closed from November 18 to December 13.

Planning Ahead

To minimise disruptions, residents and visitors are urged to plan, leave the car at home if possible, and be patient and considerate during the construction period.

Further down the line, works at Penzance Harbour will include the demolition of the Boston Shed by early 2025. Again, partners will work together to minimise the need for road closures.

To find out more about these and other Town Deal and Future High Streets Fund investments taking place in Penzance visit http://www.penzancetownfund.co.uk/.