First look at how Truro’s quayside could look after its makeover

Picture the river running right past you, a set of new steps leading down from the city, and planting where there is currently hard edge. That is the view in a fresh set of images of Truro‘s waterfront, released to show what is coming to three spots along the quayside.

The visualisations cover Garras Wharf, Town Quay and the Lemon Quay subway, and they are designed to show how the city centre and Truro River could feel far more joined up than they do today.

A closer link between the city and its river

The work is funded by the Truro Town Deal programme. The proposals include new landscaping and tree planting, improved public realm, better cycle parking, upgraded surfacing, new seating areas and improved access routes between Lemon Quay, Town Quay and the wider harbour area.

It follows the enhancement works to Lemon Quay itself, which are being completed this month. Truro Town Deal also paid for the removal of the derelict Compton Castle paddle steamer last year.

Chris Jones, Harbour Master for Truro, said: “These visualisations bring to life the work that is unfolding to improve Truro’s waterfront and public spaces over the coming months, off the back of the improvements we have already delivered.

“It coincides with our ongoing dredging campaign at Town Quay, which is proving successful so far. The dredging will open up access for a wider range of vessels to use our quays, which will then receive an attractive welcome to the city from our harbour.”

Town Quay

At Town Quay, new steps are planned to strengthen the walking routes from Morlaix Avenue and Lemon Quay. A new area of public realm will open up views of the river and the historic harbour, with landscaping designed to boost biodiversity and give people some shelter.

The display board for the scheme adds that higher quality surfacing is intended to make the quay a space that works for a range of events and users.

📷Visualisation of the proposed improvements at Lemon Quay subway, Truro. Credit: Cornwall Council

Lemon Quay subway

The entrance to the Lemon Quay subway will be widened, with better accessibility and lighting. New planting, seating and landscaping are planned to make it a more inviting place to pass through, and to strengthen the link down to the river.

According to the scheme’s display board, the tree planting will come with benches and landscaping that give people somewhere to sit, relax and play, while opening up the view of the water.

📷Visualisation of the proposed improvements at Garras Wharf, Truro. Credit: Cornwall Council

Garras Wharf

Garras Wharf would get new landscaping and improved cycle parking. The aim is to encourage more people to travel sustainably and to give a better first impression on the approach into Truro Harbour.

The £23.6 million deal behind it

Truro Town Deal Board, working in partnership with Cornwall Council, bid successfully for a Town Deal worth £23.6 million to support a range of projects aimed at regenerating the city and boosting the local economy. Cornwall Council is the lead authority for Cornwall’s Town Deals, supports the governance role of the Truro Town Deal Board and administers the fund.

Full details of the project are on Cornwall Council’s Truro Harbour project page.

Alan Stanhope, Chair of Truro Town Deal, said: “These works represent a significant investment in Truro’s future and put into action our ambition to create a thriving, vibrant and connected city.

“The improvements will help people engage more closely with our historic harbour and river while delivering high-quality public spaces that benefit the whole community.”

📷Visualisation of the proposed improvements at Town Quay, Truro. Credit: Cornwall Council