St Ives has celebrated another milestone as work is completed on the first highways scheme to be delivered as part of the Town Deal funded Low Carbon Transport Strategy.
Andrew Baragwanath, Chair of St Ives Town Deal Board, was joined by Cornwall Council Leader Linda Taylor and Louis Gardner, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economy, St Ives Mayor Johnnie Wells, project manager Charlotte Nash, from Ward Williams ,and Tom James, from Cormac, at the Terrace where work has been carried out to re-design the junction to improve pedestrian access and space, and discourage visitors from driving into the town centre.
The scheme, which has been constructed by Cormac, has involved widening the existing footway on the northwest corner of the junction, by the St Ives Harbour Hotel, and changing the current signs and road markings to direct people towards Trenwith car park rather than driving into the town.
Members of the public were consulted on plans in October 2024, with the feedback used to shape the final design for the scheme.
Welcoming the completion of the scheme, Andrew Baragwanath, Chair of the St Ives Town Deal Board, said “ It is great to see these much needed improvements provided at the Terrace. This is a busy junction and I would like to thank all the partners who worked together to minimise disruption during the construction and ensure that the scheme was completed as quickly as possible”.
“The aim of the Transport Strategy is to reduce the impact of vehicles on St Ives and introduce measures that encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport. “This scheme, which will make the area safer for pedestrians and help to discourage traffic from going through the town, is the first to be carried out as part of the Transport Strategy and I look forward to seeing further schemes delivered in the coming months”.
Cornwall Council Leader, Linda Taylor said: “As a St Ives resident, I know it feels like this investment has been a long time coming. In truth, Town Deal funding has allowed us to engage extensively with local people to understand their priorities and I know I am not alone in looking forward to enjoying our beautiful town even more as traffic is directed away from its centre.”
Louis Gardner, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Cornwall Council added: “St Ives is a hive of activity with Town Deal projects at the moment with more to come over the next 15 months, and investment in transport plays a key role in knitting it all together. These works are a particularly welcome component in driving traffic in the right direction around the town.”
St Ives Mayor Johnnie Wells added “ For as long as I can remember traffic has been a nightmare in St Ives, and the last few seasons have been beyond chaotic. Reducing the number of vehicles in town is the key to improving accessibility in St Ives and the Town Deal project has given us the funds and resources to think big and really get something done. I am so proud to be part of this project that has the potential to transform our town for the better… this is the first step towards that goal.”