CITY residents will breathe a sigh of relief next month when work will finally start on demolishing the remaining buildings on a site earmarked for massive redevelopment.

The Pydar area of Truro, which was previously home to car parks and the former Carrick District Council offices, is set to welcome 300 new homes, education and residential space for 400 students, cafés, restaurants, nature trails, a hotel and other leisure, hospitality and cultural facilities. The development was originally costed at around £170m but is now expected to be a lot more than that.

The first round of demolition started in June 2022 but there has been no further major work on the site for over 18 months.

September will mark the start of preparation works for a four-month project which will see Circuit House, Truro Bowl and the former Hardy Carpets and Roseland Furniture stores demolished and the area cleared to make way for Pydar’s next chapter.

Over the past few months, expert contractors have been on the site safely removing materials such as asbestos and utility services. The work is expected to start early next month and to be completed by the end of the year.

Dorian Smith of Weaver Demolition described the preparation works as “an exciting milestone for the future of Truro”, adding: “The activity has been planned to minimise disruption to roads and pavements and to local businesses and residents.”

The site is now owned and managed by Treveth Developments LLP, Cornwall Council’s arms-length housing development company. Residents and interested parties are invited to meet representatives at meet-and-greet drop-in sessions on Thursday, August 28 from 3pm to 5pm at Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, and Thursday, September 4 from 6pm to 8pm at Lily’s of Truro Café in Pydar Street.

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