New Route Opens in Newquay: What Does It Mean for Homes, Roads and Jobs?

The long-awaited Newquay Strategic Route (NSR) is now open, bringing major changes to the town’s transport network and unlocking opportunities for housing and local businesses.

Improving Traffic and Unlocking Housing

The NSR has been designed to ease congestion in Newquay, providing greater capacity for residents and visitors travelling in and around the town. This new route will play a vital role in supporting the delivery of more than 4,500 homes in the area, including those already built at Nansledan. Around a third of these will be affordable homes for local residents, alongside properties for young people leaving care and individuals moving on from homelessness.

Phil Mason, strategic director for sustainable growth and development at Cornwall Council, said: “The delivery of the NSR has been a long-standing aim of the Newquay Growth Area, including Nansledan, and could not have happened without the support and commitment of all the delivery partners, including Network Rail and the Duchy of Cornwall.

“This new route demonstrates our commitment to building the infrastructure to support inward investment and much needed housing for local residents.”

📷Credit: Cornwall Council

Supporting Business and Sustainable Travel

The new road will also help boost local businesses in Nansledan, especially with the Duchy of Cornwall’s Market Street high street set to front the new route. Construction of the new high street is due to begin later this year.

The route forms part of a wider network of walking and cycling paths around east Newquay. These improvements will allow railway crossings at Trencreek and Chapel to close to vehicles, while remaining open for pedestrians and cyclists. New pathways also run either side of the NSR and in the valley beneath, offering safe, off-road connections between the town centre and eastern residential areas.

New Recycling Centre and Key Infrastructure

Another benefit of the NSR is enabling the development of a new household waste recycling centre. This will replace the over-capacity Trevenson Road site, ensuring better services for local residents.

The project’s final section, built by Cormac on behalf of Cornwall Council, features a 140-metre elevated causeway and two bridges. One crosses the valley and was built by Cormac, while the other spans the railway line and was delivered by Network Rail.

Sam Kirkness, Nansledan development manager at the Duchy of Cornwall, said: “We are delighted to see the completion of the Newquay Strategic Route, which marks a major milestone for Nansledan and the wider Newquay area. This vital infrastructure will transform connectivity and unlock a range of benefits while bringing increased vibrancy to Nansledan.”

Bogdan Lupu, Network Rail industry programme director, added: “It’s exciting to see the Newquay Strategic Route open and we’re proud to have played a critical role in building a new bridge over the Newquay branch line. This project is another great example of partners working together to benefit the local community.”

📷Credit: Cornwall Council