Langarth’s Northern Access Road on Track for 2025 Completion

The construction of the Northern Access Road (NAR), soon to be known as Fordh Langarth, is progressing on schedule, with completion expected by the end of 2025. The road is a key element of the Langarth Garden Village project, designed to connect the A390 through Langarth to the Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske, facilitating access to development plots and community infrastructure.

Key Infrastructure Delivered First

The NAR represents the first significant piece of infrastructure for the Langarth Garden Village, supporting Cornwall Council’s strategy to ensure that essential infrastructure is in place before the construction of new homes begins. The project, funded by Homes England and executed by CORMAC, is valued at £47.5 million and is being developed in phases from West to East.

Olly Monk, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for housing and planning, highlighted the importance of this approach, noting that the road’s construction is crucial for unlocking the entire site, allowing for the development of village centres, community facilities, and housing from the outset.

A Road Designed for Sustainable Living

Fordh Langarth is designed with sustainability and safety in mind. The road will feature a 20 mph speed limit, aimed at promoting an urban environment conducive to active travel. The road will include a 3.5m wide segregated cycle lane and 2m wide footways on both sides, encouraging walking and cycling. Five pairs of bus stops will be strategically placed along the route, ensuring that residents are never more than 400m from a stop. New bus services will commence once the first homes are occupied.

Construction of the NAR began in March 2023 following extensive preliminary works, including site investigations and environmental monitoring. The road’s development has involved significant civil engineering, such as the excavation and reuse of 120,000 m3 of material on-site to minimise environmental impact.

Progress on the Ground

The project has seen substantial progress, with the West Langarth roundabout partially opened and the Saints Trails network connecting St Agnes to Threemilestone now completed. At the eastern end of the site, crucial utilities work has been undertaken, including the installation of ducting, drainage systems, and infrastructure to support a geothermal district heating network.

The project has also placed a strong emphasis on environmental protection, with resident ecologists and environmental specialists on-site to safeguard wildlife and enhance biodiversity.

Looking Ahead

With the completion of Phase 1, work has now commenced on Phase 2, which will extend from the Threemilestone park and ride to the hospital. Earthworks for this phase were completed by the end of July 2024. The road is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025.

The Langarth Garden Village development, which will begin house construction in 2026, aims to create a vibrant community with a range of facilities, including schools, healthcare services, sports facilities, and affordable housing. The first 750 homes and related infrastructure are set to be delivered over a five-year period, with the first residents expected to move in by early 2027.

For more information on the Langarth Garden Village and updates on the Fordh Langarth project, visit the Cornwall Council website.