independent Cornish news and comment

Penwith: PENZANCE TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION SCHEME WORKS CEASE FOR SUMMER SEASON

Work on Phase 2 of the Penzance Town Centre Regeneration Scheme continues to progress, with the majority of elements already successfully implemented.


These include
• Introduction of the new traffic arrangements, new loading and parking restrictions
• Reduction of the speed limit in Market Jew Street to 20mph.
• Footway improvements including widening parts of the NE footway and resurfacing of the SE footway in Cornish granite.
• Carriageway resurfacing in Market Jew Street and the Station Road/Albert Road/Lower Market Jew Street gyratory system.
• Construction of a new pedestrian access ramp at the lower end of Market Jew Street to the Terrace to give better access to everyone including people with wheelchairs and pushchairs.
• Up-grading the existing signal controlled pedestrian crossings in the gyratory system.
• Constructing a new raised zebra crossing and three raised uncontrolled crossings in Market Jew Street.
• Introduction of enhanced bus stops in Market Jew Street to allow easy access to buses for all.

Cormac will continue on site until the end of May working on:
• Introduction of the Bus Shelter in front of Boots
• Paving of sections of the Lower Terrace footway
• Construction of a build out at the junction of Adelaide Street to reinforce the right turn restriction introduced last year
• Completion of the granite sett paving at the Albert Street / Market Jew Street junction
• Removal of mini roundabout and associated junction changes at St John’s Hall
• Blocking off Buriton Row

No works will be carried out over the summer as the importance of the main tourist season to Penzance is fully recognised.

The Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme, originally programmed to be completed by Spring this year, has now benefited from the confirmation of Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) match funding to support the public realm works which will enable the introduction of new work this autumn and will ensure that the finished scheme will further enhance the historic and visual quality of this important and unique street.

This final phase will commence after 11 September 2006 and is anticipated to be completed by the end of November 2006.

This work will include:
• The construction and introduction of the specially commissioned artist designed street furniture.
• Introduction of an artist designed carved granite paving panel to reflect existing historic paving on the Terrace.
• Repair works to the historic iron railings and paving of the Terrace.
• Restoration of the historic street lighting on the Terrace.
• Removal of temporary footway surfacing to facilitate the restoration of historic granite paving and reintroduction of the historic water shoots close to their original location by the Market House.
• Completion of road signing.

Peter Sainsbury, Cornwall County Council Joint Project Manager for the Scheme said “Most people we have spoken to say that Market Jew Street is a much pleasanter and safer experience for the pedestrian and is visually more attractive which makes shopping much more appealing.”


Peter continued “When we come to the final phase in the autumn, we expect the quality of the street to be still further improved for both local people and visitors and we hope a good example for other regeneration work to learn from.

If you have any questions regarding the works to be carried out or would like further information please contact the Council’s Customer Information Centre on 01872 222000 and ask for Peter Sainsbury, Cornwall County Council Countryside Projects Manager for Scheme overview and environmental/heritage works.