Truro BID Launches Access Truro Project with Access Cornwall

Truro BID has launched a major new project, Access Truro, working with Access Cornwall CIC to make the city more accessible and welcoming for all.

The work is supported by financial backing from Truro City Council and part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Funding was allocated through Cornwall Council’s Town Regeneration and Investment Programme, part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.

What Access Truro Will Deliver

Running throughout the coming months, the project includes:

• An Accessible Guide to Truro – a 32 to 40 page print and digital guide highlighting accessible routes, venues, facilities, and services across the city.

• An Experience Truro Differently Day – created by Cllr Steven Webb, where decision-makers will explore the city from the perspective of someone with accessibility challenges.

• Accessibility training for up to 160 businesses – giving staff the skills and confidence to support all customers.

• Accessibility reviews for 30 local businesses – offering advice on simple, cost-effective improvements.

Truro businesses taking part will also benefit from free training, expert feedback, and the chance to be featured in the official Accessible Guide to Truro. Ramps and accessible equipment will be made available for high street businesses to use.

Why Accessibility Matters

Alun Jones, Truro BID Manager, said:

“This project is about making sure Truro is truly open to all. By working with Access Cornwall, who bring lived experience and professional expertise, we can help businesses remove barriers, attract more customers, and showcase Truro as a forward thinking city that really cares about inclusion.”

Viki Carpenter, Founding Director of Access Cornwall, added:

“We’re really excited to be working in Truro, at the heart of our Duchy, on this project. Every member of our team, including our volunteers from Truro live with disability or neurodivergence, so we know first-hand how important accessibility is. Truro has so much to offer – and this project is a chance to work with the local community to celebrate the positives, highlight what businesses are already doing well, and provide practical tools and equipment to make our city even more welcoming.”

David Rodda MBE, Town Clerk for Truro City Council, said:

“Truro is a Great Little City in which to live, work and visit but we also want it to be accessible to all so the opportunity to work with the Truro BID and Access Cornwall on this important project is welcomed. The financial support provided by the City Council demonstrates our commitment to help improve the accessibility and the opportunity to work with businesses on the high street will also help to deliver an improved understanding of the challenges they face operating in an historic city centre location.”

Cllr Steven Webb commented:

“Being a wheelchair user myself, this project is really important to get those that make decisions, to experience Truro the way many of us do on a daily basis. Things need to change, and the Access Truro project is a great start in the right direction.”

Training Dates for Businesses

Truro BID is encouraging city centre businesses and organisations to take part in one of the free training sessions this autumn. Both online and face-to-face sessions are available:

• Online: Tuesday 21st October and Thursday 20th November, 12 noon to 2pm

• In person: Tuesday 25th November, 10am to 12 noon, and Thursday 27th November, 2pm to 4pm at Truro City Council’s training room at Truro Library

Places are limited. Businesses can book by emailing hello@accesscornwall.org.uk or by completing the online booking form.

What’s Next?

The Accessible Guide to Truro will be available later this year in print and online, providing residents and visitors with clear information and maps on accessible places to shop, eat, visit, and explore.