See Your Village from the Sky! Virtual Reality Tour Reveals Big Plans for Bugle and Roche

Residents and businesses in Bugle and Roche are invited to step into the future – literally – through an interactive virtual reality experience showcasing planned improvements around the villages’ railway stations. As part of the Mid Cornwall Metro project, the proposals aim to create safer roads for pedestrians and cyclists while making public spaces more inviting.

Cormac is hosting drop-in events at the end of February where attendees can take a hot air balloon-style virtual tour to see how the designs will transform their local area. The events are scheduled for:

• Thursday 27th February at Bugle Village Hall from 10:30am to 5:30pm
• Friday 28th February at Roche Victory Social Club from 10:30am to 6:30pm

Transforming Travel and Public Spaces

The proposals form part of the £57 million Mid Cornwall Metro project, an investment aimed at improving rail connections between Newquay, St Austell, Truro, and Falmouth/Penryn. Alongside these rail upgrades, efforts are being made to enhance accessibility around Bugle and Roche stations to make them welcoming gateways where people can safely walk, cycle, or visit local businesses.

Connor Donnithorne, Cornwall Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for transport, encouraged locals to get involved, stating:

“I encourage residents and businesses in Roche and Bugle to find out more at these exhibitions and give us your feedback – we will take on board your comments and adapt designs where possible.”

He highlighted that making roads and public spaces safer for pedestrians and cyclists could encourage more people to walk or cycle, reducing congestion and boosting local businesses.

What’s Changing?

With an increase in passengers expected between Falmouth and Newquay, improvements around Bugle and Roche will focus on:

• Better pedestrian and cycle access to the stations
• Enhancements to Victoria Square in Roche, making it a more attractive space for the community
• Safer, more connected public areas

The Bigger Picture – Mid Cornwall Metro

The Mid Cornwall Metro project, primarily funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, is bringing major rail improvements to the region. These include:

• A direct hourly train service connecting Falmouth, Penryn, Truro, St Austell, Par, and Newquay
• A new passing loop at Tregoss Moor to increase train frequency
• The re-introduction of a second platform at Newquay Train Station
• An improved interchange at Par

The project is also focusing on better accessibility at key stations like Penryn and Newquay, making it easier for residents to travel by foot or bike rather than relying on cars.

Have Your Say

The designs are still at the feasibility stage, with Roche and Treverbyn Parish Councils already consulted. Now, the wider community is invited to explore the plans, view preliminary engineering drawings, and give feedback at the upcoming engagement events.

Locals can expect to see an outline works programme and a chance to experience a hot-air balloon-style VR flyover of the Newquay to Par rail line and surrounding areas.

Find out more about the proposals here: Roche and Bugle Active Travel.