Work Begins Mid-July to Transform Penzance Town Centre

Gas upgrades, street improvements and safer walking routes part of £6.5m programme

Work to upgrade gas pipes and improve walking routes in Penzance is set to begin in mid-July, with a series of road closures and improvement works scheduled through to 2026.

The infrastructure upgrades are part of the Penzance Town Deal’s Sustainable Travel Network project and include vital gas pipe replacements by Wales & West Utilities, alongside street improvements led by Cornwall Council and the Penzance Town Deal Board.

While some disruption is expected, the works are aimed at making the town centre safer, greener and more accessible.

What’s Happening and When?

Gas Pipe Replacement Projects
Wales & West Utilities will carry out three key phases of gas pipe upgrades:

• Project 1 – St Clares:
  Starting 24th July, works begin on Madron Road and then St Clares Street.
  From 4th August to 19th September, multi-way traffic lights will be in place at the junction with Centenary Way, Parc Wartha Avenue and Penalverne Drive.

• Project 2 – Station Road:
  From 22nd September to 20th October, road closures will affect Station Road, Market Jew Street, Leskinnick Street and East Terrace.

• Project 3 – Market Place:
  From 20th October to 1st December, closures will affect Market Jew Street (for the first 1–2 weeks), Market Place, The Greenmarket, Causewayhead and Alverton Street.

Improvements to Streets and Public Spaces

Several upgrades will also take place as part of the Sustainable Travel Network project:

• Market Jew Street improvements will start in July during daytime closures.

• Branwells Gyratory and bus station works, Ponsandane cycle hub, and Market Place enhancements begin in September 2025.

• Ross Bridge will close for strengthening works in January 2026.

• Coinagehall Street improvements are planned for early 2026.

A drop-in session for residents and businesses will take place on Wednesday 18th June, 9am to 5pm at St John’s Hall, where Wales & West Utilities and Cormac will be available to explain the works in more detail.

Backed by Major Funding

The Penzance Sustainable Transport Network is supported by £3.5 million from the government’s Town Deal programme and £3 million from Cornwall Council, as part of a wider £21.5 million Town Deal investment to support the town’s regeneration and economy.

Sarah Shaw, Director of the Penzance BID, said:

“We understand that no time is ideal for disruption, and the BID is working hard to minimise the impact by co-ordinating between all workforces to deliver both the gas pipe upgrades and the town improvement works simultaneously.
Penzance remains very much open for business during this time and residents and visitors alike are urged to continue supporting local shops, restaurants, and cafés throughout the summer and beyond. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this period of transformation. Please bear with us and excuse our appearance while we make some much-needed changes.”

Martin Tucker, Chairman of the Board of the Penzance Town Deal, added:

“These essential works mark an important step forward in delivering the long-term vision for a greener, more accessible, and better-connected Penzance. While we recognise that the phased road closures will bring some short-term disruption, the benefits they bring — from modernised infrastructure to safer walking and cycling routes — are crucial for the town’s future.
Through the Penzance Town Deal and our Sustainable Travel Programme, we’re investing in a town centre that works better for everyone: residents, businesses, and visitors. This is a significant investment in the future of Penzance — one that will make our town more resilient, vibrant, and welcoming for years to come.”

Kieren Couch, Penzance Sustainable Travel Project Lead, said:

“We are working very closely with all partners to manage the impact of all the schemes which are being carried out in and around Penzance over the coming months and ensure that the works are properly co-ordinated.”

Abby Smith from Wales & West Utilities commented:

“We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, which is why we’re working collaboratively to agree the best way to get this important work done while causing the least disruption to the community.”

A Town Centre for the Future

The long-term aim of the programme is to transform how people move around Penzance, with safer walking and cycling links, better public spaces, and modern infrastructure. It’s hoped that the changes will benefit everyone – whether you live in the town, run a business, or are just visiting.