Public spaces improvement work set to start

Work to improve public spaces in Newquay will begin in January, Cornwall Council has said.

The council said the work at Narrowcliff will come as part of the Mid Cornwall Metro project, a £56.8m investment to upgrade current rail links between Newquay, St Austell, Truro, and Falmouth/Penryn.

It said the aim was to make the roads around Newquay Railway Station safer for walkers and cyclists.

Connor Donnithorne, cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said it would also benefit people who may not need to travel by train.

The council said the first phase of the work would see a widened walking and cycle shared use path built along Narrowcliff, beginning at the junction of Edgecumbe Avenue to The Barrowfields.

It said phase two, which would be consulted on early next year, would extend the walking and cycle path along Edgecumbe Avenue to Oakleigh Terrace and provide more crossing points.

"As part of this phase of the project, we are developing proposals to increase the free parking duration at Newquay Station car park and provide additional parking at Tolcarne Road coach park," it said.

Mr Donnithorne added: "There are several reasons for improving public spaces and accessibility on the roads and public spaces around the stations.

"Improving the 'first and last mile' makes it easier for people to make the choice to walk, cycle or catch the bus to their local station, rather than driving and adding to congestion on our roads."

The council said the work, carried out by Cormac, would start on 6 January.

It said it was expected to be completed by the end of March 2025.

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