WORK to revitalise Truro’s Lemon and Town Quays will break ground in early 2026 while exciting plans for Lighterage Bridge also continue to move forward, together forming plans to re-connect people with the city’s waterside.

Under the Harbour and Lemon Quay scheme, Lemon Quay is scheduled to be the first waterside area to begin its refresh, with works expected to start in January and last for three months. These will include: an enhanced events space with a projector and improved lighting to encourage use and improve safety; green landscape areas including newly planted trees and soft landscaping to improve its visual appearance and biodiversity; improved provision of benches and street furniture; and enhanced cycle parking provision to encourage green travel.

Truro City Council is also working on a new events strategy for Lemon Quay, which will be shaped by the response to a recent survey in which more than 1,800 people shared their thoughts on how the event space should be used. There was overwhelming support for more events that would encourage people to come into Truro to spend their leisure time, including food markets (86 per cent), craft markets (77 per cent), music (74 per cent), and cultural and heritage events (60 per cent).

Also anticipated for January 2026 is the submission of a pre-application for a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) to the Department for Transport for Lighterage Bridge. This is required to alter the rights of navigation for the Truro River and is an extensive piece of work requiring surveys to inform an Environmental Statement. It is anticipated the full application for the TWAO will be submitted spring 2026.

Town Quay works - including the former Compton Castle area, subway access and Garras Wharf - are scheduled to begin in spring 2026. These will include the dredging of working quays, the installation of a new day boat and dinghy pontoon, improvement works to the former Compton Castle area, surfacing works, access improvements and a more welcoming subway including lighting and murals.

Dredging work will begin in late spring to lengthen the ‘tidal window’ - the time when vessels have sufficient under-keel clearance to safely navigate waters - meaning more vessels will be able to explore and enjoy the city and for longer.

Alan Stanhope, Truro Town Deal board chair, said: “We are all living and working in a very different financial place to that of 2021 when the Truro Town Investment Plan was published, but Truro Town Deal remains committed to delivering on local aspirations for the city. Our plans continue to evolve to meet financial pressures and remain true to the vision and spirit of the Town Investment Plan.”

Tim Dwelly, Cornwall Council Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economy, added: “Town Deal has created a fantastic opportunity to make real changes to Truro that will benefit residents and visitors alike. I am grateful for the hard work of everyone and look forward to seeing these plans help breathe new life into the city.”