New Road Transformation to Improve Pedestrian Access in Penzance Set to Begin

Safer Access to Newlyn Green on the Horizon

Construction work to improve pedestrian access and safety on New Road in Penzance will kick off on Monday, 18 November, as part of a broader effort to promote sustainable travel across the area. Funded through the Penzance Town Deal Sustainable Travel Network project, the upgrades include the addition of two puffin crossings and the installation of ramps and steps to improve access to Newlyn Green, the Penlee Bowling Club, and the coast path.

Cornwall Council, working with the Penzance Town Deal Board, is leading this first phase of a plan to create a sustainable, safe, and accessible network for walking and cycling in and around Penzance.

What the Project Includes

Currently, New Road lacks pedestrian crossings that connect directly to Newlyn Green. The new puffin crossings aim to bridge this gap, making it easier and safer for pedestrians, including wheelchair users and those with prams, to access the area’s green spaces. In addition, a Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) will display a 20 mph limit to encourage reduced vehicle speeds and increase road safety.

“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,” said Martin Tucker, Chairman of the Penzance Town Deal.

Jim McKenna, local Cornwall Councillor, expressed gratitude for public feedback, noting that plans for raised crossings were removed from the final design. “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,” Jim said.

Construction and Traffic Impact

The project, managed by Cormac, will require traffic lights on New Road to allow for safe construction, with the majority of work anticipated to wrap up by March 2025. A short break will take place over the Christmas period. “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,” assured Tom James, Cormac’s project manager.

Penzance’s Wider Regeneration Efforts

This improvement on New Road is one of several projects in Penzance. The Town Deal, worth £21.9 million, supports various developments aimed at economic growth and enhancing local opportunities. Other works include the closure of Coinagehall Street between Battery Road and Coinagehall Mews, the remodelling of St Anthony’s car park, and a section of Quay Street will be closed between 18 November and 13 December.

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economy, shared his enthusiasm for the project, noting its role in creating “safe and accessible routes for local residents to Newlyn Green, the bowling green, and the coast path.”

More Information and Contact

Residents with any questions or concerns about the work on New Road can reach Cormac by calling 0300 1234 222 or emailing contracting@cormacltd.co.uk.

With funding from the government’s Town Deal programme, which provided £6.6 million for the Sustainable Travel Network project, the improvements mark an essential step in Penzance’s regeneration efforts led by Cornwall Council in partnership with the Penzance Town Deal Board.