WORK to revitalise Truro city centre is due to begin, with authorities reassuring residents and visitors that retail and hospitality facilities are open as usual.

The works are part of the Harbour and Lemon Quay scheme, one of seven Truro Town Deal and Cornwall Council funded projects for the city.

Lemon Quay is the first area to be refreshed, to include an enhanced events space with a projector; green areas with newly planted trees and soft landscaping; improved provision of benches and street furniture; and enhanced cycle parking to encourage green travel.

Shops, bars, hotels and markets will remain open, while the bus station and public toilets are unaffected. Efforts are being made to minimise disruption to the regular farmers’ markets and other events from January to March, with any cancellations publicised on Visit Truro social media.

There will be no road closures. The programme has been scheduled during the least busy period of the year, with signing, lighting and guarding in place to protect the public from works areas.

Truro City Council town clerk David Rodda said: “As the license holder for Lemon Quay, it’s great to see this work begin. We’re looking forward to seeing the improvements to this very important event space in Truro.”

Truro BID Manager Alun Jones thanked Cormac for keeping roads and pedestrian routes open, adding: “I urge residents and visitors to come into the city for January bargains, coffee with friends and nights out.”

In spring, works will move to the river, with dredging to allow vessels to visit the city for longer; and to Town Quay, the former Compton Castle area and the subway access to Garras Wharf.

The Harbour and Lemon Quay project, including Town Quay and the proposed Lighterage Bridge, was awarded £10.4 million from the government’s Town Deal programme with a further £1.28 million from Cornwall Council.