Planning Approved for New Park and Cycle Facility at Ponsandane

A disused patch of railway land near Eastern Green is set to become Penzance’s newest ‘Park & Cycle’ site after Cornwall Council granted full planning permission for the scheme last month.

Transforming Disused Land at Ponsandane

The 0.56-hectare site at Ponsandane sidings will be turned into a 62-space car park, including five accessible spaces. It’s aimed at encouraging people arriving by car to leave their vehicles and continue their journey into Penzance by foot or bike. The scheme also includes 14 secure, lockable cycle stands and a two-vehicle drop-off area.

Developed in partnership with Network Rail, the project forms part of the wider Penzance Town Deal Sustainable Travel Network, a major regeneration programme focused on creating greener, safer and more accessible travel options in and around the town.

Backed by Town Deal Funding

The scheme is funded through the government’s Town Deal programme, with £3.5 million allocated to the Penzance Sustainable Transport Network. Cornwall Council has added a further £3 million. In total, the Penzance Town Deal is worth £21.5 million and supports several projects to help regenerate the area and grow the local economy.

Martin Tucker, Chair of Penzance Town Deal Board, said:
“This project marks another important step in delivering our vision for a greener and better connected Penzance. By transforming underused land into a valuable community asset, the Park & Cycle scheme supports our commitment to sustainable transport and a healthier, more accessible town for everyone.”

Improved Access and Green Planting

The site has good links to the town via walking and cycling routes, including the South West Coast Path and the Multi Use Trail. Bus stops are located less than 200 metres north of the site.

As part of the works, the footway along the A30 will be widened to improve accessibility, and new tactile crossings will be added along with links to the nearby pelican crossing. Street lighting will also be updated.

Cllr Tim Dwelly, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for Economy and Investment and local councillor for Penzance East, welcomed the news, adding:
“I pushed hard for more to be spent on attractive planting at the site and am delighted this has now been agreed. This site is the gateway to Penzance and it needs to look as attractive as possible. There will be roadside planting on the Cornish hedge and also shrubs and plants helping to soften the look of the sound barrier that separates the rail sidings from the parking area.”

Works Begin This Autumn

Construction is expected to begin in the autumn. As part of the build, a ‘wheeling channel’ will be added in a contrasting colour to the pedestrian bridge over the railway line, improving access to the coast for pedestrians and cyclists.

Underground ducting will be installed to prepare the site for future electric vehicle charging. A species-rich hedge with bird boxes will be planted along the site’s northern boundary, with wide grassland areas added at the southern edge and either end of the site.

Cllr Dwelly added:
“I would like to thank Network Rail for working with the Council and the Town Deal Board to develop this important project and look forward to seeing construction begin in the Autumn.”