Penzance, Cornwall, UK, to Undergo Major Revamp with New Sustainable Travel Network: Key Improvements for Pedestrians and Cyclists Announced for Coinagehall Street

Published on December 14, 2025

Penzance is set to undergo a transformative redevelopment, with improvements to Coinagehall Street and surrounding areas set to begin on January 5, 2026. The project, part of the Penzance Town Deal Sustainable Travel Network initiative, aims to improve the safety and accessibility of the town’s walking and cycling routes. This project will improve connections between Penzance Harbour, the South West Coast Path, and Penzance Railway Station, making the area more attractive and pedestrian-friendly.

The £5 million project aims to reshape how locals and visitors travel through this Cornish town by promoting safer, greener modes of transport. The improvements will focus on improving connections for cyclists and pedestrians and providing a more seamless journey through one of the town’s most heavily trafficked areas.

Overview of the Project’s Aims and Key Features

The Penzance Town Deal Sustainable Travel Network project is one of several initiatives that have been part of a broader regeneration plan for the town. One of the key aims of this project is to create safer, more efficient, and visually appealing walking and cycling routes that will improve access to Penzance’s stunning coastal areas, such as the renowned South West Coast Path.

A vehicle prohibition will be enforced on the eastern section of Coinagehall Street, one of the key areas where traffic and pedestrian flow often intersect. This measure is part of the project’s effort to make the area safer for pedestrians and cyclists, while also providing better accessibility for the Treveth housing development. Additionally, a new zebra crossing will be installed on the quay to improve safety for pedestrians crossing between the housing developments and the harbour. To further enhance pedestrian safety, a raised table will be added at Quay Street, a major thoroughfare near the quay.

Key Traffic Changes and New Infrastructure

In addition to the pedestrian-friendly updates, significant changes will be made to the area’s traffic flow. A one-way traffic system will be introduced across Quay Street, Green Street, and the western section of Coinagehall Street. This measure will streamline traffic movement and improve overall safety, ensuring a smoother and more organized flow of both vehicles and pedestrians.

At the junction of Battery Road and Coinagehall Street, a new zebra crossing will be installed, providing a much-needed improvement for pedestrian access between the seafront and new housing developments. This upgrade will help link these areas, creating safer connections for people walking and cycling in the region.

Another key aspect of the improvements will be the renovation of Chapel Yard. Footways in this area will be widened, and crossing points will be upgraded to ensure better access for pedestrians. These enhancements will improve the overall pedestrian experience in the town, particularly for those accessing public transportation and local businesses.

Temporary Traffic Management and Potential Delays

To carry out these improvements safely and effectively, temporary traffic management will be in place. This will vary by location and the phase of the works, with particular focus on minimizing disruption. Cormac, the contractor for the project, will closely coordinate with other ongoing works in the area, including the traffic management plan for the Ross Bridge refurbishment, to reduce the impact on local travel.

While the majority of the work is expected to be carried out during working hours (between 8 am and 4 pm), some operations may generate short-term noise. Pedestrian diversions will also be in place during certain phases of the works, which could cause brief interruptions for pedestrians, especially in areas near the new zebra crossings or the widened footways. Motorists should also expect delays at times, so it is advised that extra time be allocated for journeys through the town centre.

What This Means for Residents and Visitors

For the residents and visitors of Penzance, these changes will mark a significant step toward a more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly environment. With the aim of improving accessibility and safety for people walking or cycling through the town, these works will also contribute to Penzance’s long-term sustainability goals.

Residents may experience some temporary inconvenience due to the works, but the long-term benefits of the improvements, including safer streets, better connections to the town’s landmarks, and a cleaner, more sustainable town centre, will be felt for years to come. For those living close to the affected areas, the construction team is committed to minimizing noise and disruption. However, some short-term disturbance may be inevitable, particularly during specific phases of the work.

As the project progresses, the town’s infrastructure will be better equipped to handle increasing numbers of visitors, especially during peak tourist seasons. With more people seeking to explore Penzance’s rich history and natural beauty, the improved roads, footways, and crossings will make the town more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Why This Project is So Important for Penzance’s Future

Penzance’s transformation into a more sustainable and accessible town will contribute to the wider vision for Cornwall’s long-term growth. This initiative is part of a growing trend of environmentally conscious urban planning, where communities seek to reduce reliance on vehicles and promote alternative forms of transport. The town’s continued commitment to improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure supports both the local economy and the environment, contributing to Cornwall’s broader sustainability goals.

Additionally, Penzance’s focus on enhancing its seafront area and connections to the South West Coast Path is key to boosting the town’s attractiveness as a tourist destination. This project will create a more vibrant, sustainable, and safe environment for both locals and visitors to enjoy. By improving infrastructure, Penzance is positioning itself as a prime location for future investments and sustainable tourism.

Conclusion

Penzance will begin a major redevelopment project on January 5, 2026, with the goal of making the town safer and more attractive to pedestrians and cyclists. The project’s improvements to key areas such as Coinagehall Street, Quay Street, and Battery Road promise to improve connectivity between the railway station, the harbour, and other nearby developments. While temporary disruptions are expected, the project’s long-term benefits will help to make Penzance a safer, more accessible, and more sustainable place for both residents and visitors.