Plans for St Ives centre aim to discourage drivers

New plans for the middle of St Ives have gone out to public consultation, with changes to the road surface, upgraded crossing points and a new granite planter proposed for three spots in the town centre.

The Library Corner Streetscape Enhancement scheme covers Royal Square, Library Corner and Tregenna Place. It forms part of the St Ives Low Carbon Transport Strategy, which sets out to cut the impact of vehicles on the town and push people towards walking, cycling and public transport. Cornwall Council is delivering the work in partnership with the St Ives Town Deal Board.

What the plans set out to do

One of the stated aims is to make drivers think twice. Alongside creating a more pedestrian friendly environment, the scheme is designed to visually discourage drivers from travelling further into the town centre than they need to by changing the look of the streets around Royal Square, Library Corner and Tregenna Place.

What is proposed

The scheme includes several elements:

New surfacing and landscaping at Royal Square, Library Corner and Tregenna Place. This would use imprint surfacing with the appearance of block paving, the same material used on the hill by the Harbour Hotel. Cornwall Council describes it as a hard wearing and attractive surface for spots where regular block paving cannot be laid in the road.

New crossing points featuring tactile paving, lowered kerbs and a contrasting surface finish to support accessibility and ease of movement.

A new granite planter on the island in the centre of Royal Square, with planting.

Resurfacing and cleaning of several existing surfaces and footways.

How this fits with the ETRO

There is a relationship with the ongoing Experimental Traffic Regulation Order scheme, but the two are separate. Subject to the results of this consultation, the streetscape works would be installed regardless of what happens with the ETRO.

Anyone who wants to take part in the ETRO consultation, which is due to end in November, can do so on the St Ives Town Deal ETRO Let’s Talk Cornwall page.

How to have your say

The statutory consultation formally begins on Friday 3 July. It is being led by Cormac in partnership with the St Ives Low Carbon Transport Strategy project team, and the feedback will shape the final designs.

Maps, drawings and a feedback form are available on the St Ives Town Deal LTE Let’s Talk Cornwall page.

Responses can also be sent by email to [email protected] or by post to Infrastructure Design Group, Cormac Consultancy, Radnor Road, Scorrier, Redruth, TR16 5EH. Anyone emailing or writing in is asked to quote the scheme reference Infra24-170.

The deadline for responses is 23 July 2026. Subject to the results, work on the changes is currently scheduled to begin in October.

The wider Low Carbon Transport Strategy has received £3 million from the government’s Town Deal programme and £2.5 million from Cornwall Council. The St Ives Town Deal itself, secured by the Town Deal Board in partnership with Cornwall Council, is worth £19.9 million and covers a range of projects aimed at the town’s regeneration.