The UK Government has announced a £23.6m investment in Truro to boost the local economy, create jobs and improve local skills, helping Cornwall build back better from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The government hopes the Deal for Truro will help transform Cornwall’s capital into a ‘Connected River City’ and support its vision of becoming a modern economic, cultural and green capital for its residents and the wider community by 2030.
It aims to breathe new life into Truro’s waterfront by creating new spaces for business, vibrant and green event areas, promenades and new ferry terminals with berthing facilities and pontoons.
The investment will also boost its cultural and tourism offer by transforming some of the city’s historic buildings into thriving businesses, while the creation of a ‘go to destination’ in Boscawen Park will include a new ‘winter garden’ to build on Truro’s national reputation as a city of bloom.
Green and sustainable travel are at the heart of the plans, connecting key locations and attractions with accessible walking and cycling routes, including a proposed new bridge between areas currently isolated from each other.
The funding will also help convert some of Truro’s unused buildings into much-needed new homes.
The announcement responds to a locally led proposal put forward by Cornwall Council and the Town Deal Board, which included representation from business, the local community, the public sector and local MPs.
Truro’s investment is the 53rd deal to be announced from the Towns Fund and is part of action by the government to level up opportunity and prosperity across all parts of the UK.
Commenting, Communities Secretary, Robert Jenrick said: “This government is levelling up towns and cities across the country by building stronger and more resilient local economies, boosting prosperity and opportunity in our communities, and helping them build back better from the pandemic.
“This deal is great news for Truro and the county. By revitalising the waterfront, breathing new life into unused historic buildings and investing in new cultural and tourist attractions, it will make a huge difference to the local economy and create much-needed jobs and homes.”
Chair of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Mark Duddridge added: “The award of £23.6 million for Truro, as the country begins to emerge from the restrictions of lockdown, is a fantastic boost for Cornwall and the city.
“The environmentally sensitive development of the town will create welcome employment and will bring a new vibrancy to many areas of Truro.
“This investment follows on from the redevelopment of the Hall for Cornwall, another project supported by the LEP, which together will reinforce Truro’s position as a centre for our creative industries.”
