Major travel improvements completed in Penzance
The scheme prioritises sustainable transport and access
The completion of several schemes under the Penzance Sustainable Travel Network has marked a significant turn towards improving the town's accessibility and encouraging sustainable transport.
Supported by £3.5 million from the government's Town Deal programme and £3 million from Cornwall Council, the project aimed to reduce vehicular impact in Penzance.
Members from the Penzance Town Deal Board, local councillors, and representatives from various organisations gathered to witness the completion of initiatives including Ponsandane Park & Cycle, Penzance bus station and Branwells Gyratory, Market Jew Street and Market Place, and Causewayhead.
Enhancing Pedestrian and Cycling Connectivity
Martin Tucker, Chair of the Penzance Town Deal Board, expressed satisfaction with the progress.
"The aim of the Sustainable Travel project was to make Penzance more accessible and enable people to feel safe as they are moving around," Tucker said.
Improvements include safer access to Newlyn Green and enhancements to Causewayhead, Market Jew Street, and Market Place aiming to create a more attractive environment for walking and cycling.
Integration with Public Transport
The schemes at the Bus Station and Branwells Gyratory align with Cornwall’s Bus Service Improvement Plan to bolster public transport infrastructure.
This plan promotes more reliable, affordable, and integrated services, improving connectivity with bus and rail networks.
It includes a subscription-based cycle parking hub near Harbour Car Park to bolster cycling.
Encouraging Sustainable Choices
Ponsandane Park & Cycle encourages visitors to leave their cars and opt for biking, with Beryl providing a public bike hire service.
“To improve accessibility, adjustments have been made to the street lighting and crossing points along the A30” said Kieren Couch, Project Lead.
The final scheme at Coinagehall Street and Battery Road, nearing completion, promises to support safer pedestrian routes, linking key town locations.
“Working with partners has been instrumental in delivering sustainable travel networks for Penzance,” said Bogdan Lupu from Network Rail & GWR.
Penzance Town Deal Board, backed by Cornwall Council, successfully secured £21.9 million Town Deal funding aimed at revitalising the town and boosting the local economy.