Highway Improvement Works to Begin on Market Jew Street from 21st July

Daytime closures, suspended bus stops and delivery disruptions as 19-week highway works begin

Work to transform Market Jew Street and Market Place in the heart of Penzance is set to begin on Monday, 21st July, as part of a £6.5 million investment into the town’s future.

The 19-week scheme, delivered by Cormac as part of the Penzance Town Deal Sustainable Travel Programme, aims to make the area safer, more attractive and accessible for people walking, cycling, and using public transport.

Daytime Closures and Key Disruptions

From 21st July to 28th November, Market Jew Street will be closed to all traffic between 7.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. A further road closure on Market Place will run from 20th October through to the end of November.

The closures are needed to ensure the safety of workers and the public, particularly as the works focus on the narrowest parts of Market Jew Street. However, the street will remain open to traffic in the evenings and at weekends.

Pedestrians and emergency vehicles will have access at all times.

Working Together to Minimise Impact

In the second half of the scheme (September to November), Cormac will work alongside Wales and West, who are upgrading gas mains in the area. By coordinating efforts, the teams hope to reduce the overall duration of disruption.

The project team has also worked closely with Penzance Council and Penzance BID to keep the town open for business. Clear signage and diversion routes will be in place, and businesses have received help to plan alternative delivery times and routes.

Bus stops on Market Jew Street will be suspended throughout the works. Bus companies have been informed and will follow an approved diversion route.

What’s Changing and Why?

The works are designed to reinforce the existing pedestrian zone, creating a safer and more effective gateway into the town centre.

The improvements will benefit pedestrians, cyclists, people with reduced mobility and public transport users, while also enhancing the overall streetscape with better planting and design.

Martin Tucker, Chair of the Penzance Town Deal Board, said:

“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.”

Further Works to Follow

The Penzance Town Deal Sustainable Travel Programme is also set to deliver:

• Bus station and Branwells Gyratory improvements – beginning September 2025

• Ponsandane Cycle Hub scheme – beginning September 2025

The full Town Deal, worth £21.5 million, includes £3.5 million from the government’s Town Deal programme and £3 million from Cornwall Council to support Penzance’s regeneration and boost the local economy.

Questions or Concerns?

Anyone with queries about the works can contact Cormac by calling 0300 1234 222 or emailing contracting@cormacltd.co.uk.

The team has confirmed that works will be completed by the end of November, so they will not affect Christmas events planned for the town.