WORK to upgrade Penzance’s gas pipes, as well as improve public spaces and safety for walkers in the town centre, are set to begin in mid-July.
The works are part of a joint project involving vital gas pipe replacement and enhancements being delivered as part of the Penzance Town Deal’s sustainable travel programme.
While this will lead to some disruption, it presents an opportunity to improve infrastructure and create a more pedestrian-friendly town centre for the future.
The works to upgrade the gas pipes are being carried out by Wales & West Utilities in three key projects which will require some road closures:
- Project 1 - St Clares
From July 24, gas pipe upgrade work will take place on Madron Road, followed by St Clares Street.
From August 4 to September 19, multi-way traffic lights will be in place at the junction with Centenary Way, Parc Wartha Avenue and Penalverne Drive.
- Project 2 - Station Road
From September 22 to October 20, a road closure will be in place on Station Road, Market Jew Street, Leskinnick Street and East Terrace.
- Project 3 - Market Place
From October 20 to December 1, road closures will be in place on Market Jew Street (first 1-2 weeks), Market Place, The Greenmarket, Causewayhead and Alverton Street.
A number of highways schemes are also being delivered as part of the Sustainable Travel Network project over the same period.
These include:
- Market Jew Street improvements - to begin in July, this work will be carried out during the day while the road is already closed to traffic.
- Works on bus station and Branwells Gyratory – to begin in September
- Ponsandane cycle hub scheme– to begin in September
- Market Place scheme – to begin in September
- Closure of Ross Bridge for strengthening works – to begin in January 2026
- Coinagehall Street improvements – to begin in early 2026
Wales & West Utilities and Cormac will be holding a drop-in session to explain these works in more detail on Wednesday, June 18 between 9am to 5pm at St John’s Hall.
The changes will help to support traffic calming, improve walking and cycling connectivity and introduce additional outdoor space on the high street.
Martin Tucker, Chairman of the Board of the Penzance Town Deal commented: “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.”
Sarah Shaw, director of the Penzance BID said: “We understand that no time is ideal for disruption, and the BID is working hard to minimise the impact by co-ordinating between all workforces to deliver both the gas pipe upgrades and the town improvement works simultaneously.”
Kieren Couch, Penzance Sustainable Travel project lead, added: “We are working very closely with all partners to manage the impact of all the schemes which are being carried out in and around Penzance over the coming months and ensure that the works are properly co-ordinated.”
Abby Smith, Wales & West Utilities programme controller said: “We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, which is why we’re working collaboratively to agree the best way to get this important work done while causing the least disruption to the community.”