Works on Market Jew Street to begin on 21 July
Work on the long-awaited scheme to make Market Jew Street and Market Place safer and more attractive and welcoming place for people living, working and visiting the centre of Penzance will begin on Monday, 21 July.
Part of the Penzance Town Deal Sustainable Travel Programme, which aims to transform travel in and around the town, creating a fully sustainable network of safe and accessible walking, cycling and functional green and open urban spaces, the 19-week scheme will be carried out by Cormac.
The design has been developed following extensive engagement with the local community. This included a drop in event held in June to enable local residents and businesses to find out more about the plans for Market Jew Street and Market Place and the wider programme by Wales and West to upgrade gas pipes across the town.
The scheme will reinforce the pedestrian zone by creating a safer and more effective gateway and improve accessibility for pedestrians, people with reduced mobility, cyclists and public transport. The overall streetscape and planting will also be enhanced to attract more people into the centre of the town.
Martin Tucker, Chair of Penzance Town Deal Board, said “These essential works mark an important step forward in delivering the long-term vision for a greener, more accessible, and better-connected Penzance. While we recognise that the phased road closures will bring some short-term disruption, the benefits they bring — from modernised infrastructure to safer walking and cycling routes — are crucial for the town’s future.
“Through the Penzance Town Deal and our Sustainable Travel Programme, we’re investing in a town centre that works better for everyone: residents, businesses, and visitors. This is a significant investment in the future of Penzance — one that will make our town more resilient, vibrant, and welcoming for years to come.”
As the works are focused around the narrowest parts of Market Jew Street, the road will be closed to traffic along its entire length between 7.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday from 21 July to 28 November. This is to ensure the safety of members of the public and the teams working on the scheme. A road closure will also be in place at Market Place from 20 October to the end of November.
For the second half of the scheme (September – November) the works will be carried out alongside Wales and West, who are carrying out gas main improvements. This collaboration means that overall duration of the works will be drastically reduced, minimising the impact on the public.
As well as liaising with Wales and West, the Sustainable Travel Network project team have worked closely with Penzance Council and Penzance BID to develop co-ordinated plans to ensure that Penzance remains open for business during the works and that residents and visitors can continue to access the places they want to go.
While Market Jew Street will be closed to traffic during the daytime on week days, it will be open to traffic as normal during the evenings and at weekends.
Access for emergency vehicles and pedestrians will be maintained at all times.
The team have also worked hard to ensure that the scheme will be completed by the end of November so it will not affect any Christmas activities planned for the town.
During the road closures clearly marked signage and diversion routes will be in place and the highways team have been supporting businesses in planning alternative delivery times and routes. It is essential that deliveries can still be made to the retailers affected and the team are working closely with the BID and businesses to ensure that this happens.
Bus stops on Market Jew Street will also be suspended for the duration of the works. Bus companies have been informed of the plans and have an approved diversion route in place.
As well as the improvements at Market Jew Street and Market Place, a number of other highways schemes are due to be delivered as part of the Sustainable Travel Network project over the same period.
These include:
- Works on bus station and Branwells Gyratory – due to begin Sept 2025
- Ponsandane Cycle Hub scheme– due to begin Sept 2025
The project team recognise that the works and traffic restrictions on Market Jew Street and other areas of the town over the coming months will impact those living or operating businesses in the area and will be monitoring the situation closely to minimise disruption and keep delays to a minimum.
Anyone with queries or concerns about the works can call 0300 1234 222 or email Cormac at contracting@cormacltd.co.uk.
Penzance Sustainable Transport Network has received £3.5 million from the government’s Town Deal programme and £3 million from Cornwall Council. Penzance Town Deal Board, in partnership with Cornwall Council, successfully bid for a Town Deal worth £21.5 million to support a range of projects that will contribute to the town’s regeneration and boost the local economy.
