Traffic Transformation in St Ives: First Step in Low Carbon Strategy Completed

Photo: Louis Gardner, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economy, St Ives Mayor Johnnie Wells, Tom James, from Cormac, Cornwall Council Leader Linda Taylor, project manager Charlotte Nash, from Ward Williams and Andrew Baragwanath, Chair of St Ives Town Deal Board. 

St Ives has reached a significant milestone with the completion of the first scheme under its Low Carbon Transport Strategy. The project, located at The Terrace, marks the beginning of an ambitious effort to improve pedestrian access and manage traffic flow in the town.

Improvements at The Terrace

The re-design at The Terrace, near St Ives Harbour Hotel, has seen the northwest corner of the junction widened to create more space for pedestrians. New signs and road markings have also been introduced to guide drivers towards Trenwith car park instead of entering the town centre, aiming to reduce congestion and encourage alternative transport methods.

The scheme was constructed by Cormac, with input from the community following consultations held in October 2024. Feedback from local residents shaped the final design.

Andrew Baragwanath, Chair of the St Ives Town Deal Board, expressed his satisfaction with the completed works:

“It is great to see these much-needed improvements provided at The Terrace. This is a busy junction, and I would like to thank all the partners who worked together to minimise disruption during the construction and ensure that the scheme was completed as quickly as possible.”

A Collaborative Effort

Cornwall Council Leader Linda Taylor, a resident of St Ives, highlighted the importance of local engagement in the process:

“As a St Ives resident, I know it feels like this investment has been a long time coming. In truth, Town Deal funding has allowed us to engage extensively with local people to understand their priorities, and I know I am not alone in looking forward to enjoying our beautiful town even more as traffic is directed away from its centre.”

Louis Gardner, Portfolio Holder for Economy at Cornwall Council, echoed this sentiment, noting that the transport improvements are a crucial part of ongoing Town Deal projects in St Ives:

“St Ives is a hive of activity with Town Deal projects at the moment, with more to come over the next 15 months, and investment in transport plays a key role in knitting it all together. These works are a particularly welcome component in driving traffic in the right direction around the town.”

Tackling Traffic Challenges

St Ives Mayor Johnnie Wells emphasised how the changes aim to address long-standing traffic issues:

“For as long as I can remember, traffic has been a nightmare in St Ives, and the last few seasons have been beyond chaotic. Reducing the number of vehicles in town is the key to improving accessibility in St Ives, and the Town Deal project has given us the funds and resources to think big and really get something done. I am so proud to be part of this project that has the potential to transform our town for the better… this is the first step towards that goal.”

Upcoming Works

Following the completion of the scheme at The Terrace, work is set to begin on the Consols junction on 6th January. Adjustments have been made to the original design following discussions with local residents, including the addition of a pedestrian footway.

Preparations are also underway for improvements at Malakoff, where vegetation has been cleared to inspect the boundary wall ahead of upcoming works to enhance the open space. Plans for further schemes at Halsetown, Higher Stennack, and Tempest are also progressing.

Traffic Management and Future Plans

Significant developments have been made in plans to improve traffic management at Tregenna Hill and Library Corner. A one-way system, set to be trialled before Easter using an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO), will allow buses and emergency services to travel down Tregenna Hill from The Terrace. Signs, rather than traffic lights, will be used to control access, enabling engineers to assess the impact on traffic flow.

Additionally, new smart traffic cameras and Variable Message Signs are being installed throughout St Ives and on the A30 to manage the flow of traffic more efficiently.

Funding and Governance

Cornwall Council, as the lead authority for Town Deal projects in Cornwall, is responsible for administering the funding and supporting the governance role of the St Ives Town Deal Board.

With the completion of the first stage, the town is now looking ahead to further improvements aimed at making St Ives a more accessible and pedestrian-friendly destination.

Photo: Louis Gardner, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economy, St Ives Mayor Johnnie Wells, Tom James, from Cormac, Cornwall Council Leader Linda Taylor, project manager Charlotte Nash, from Ward Williams and Andrew Baragwanath, Chair of St Ives Town Deal Board.