The first phase of the new way-finding system for Truro has been installed at the main welcome points in the city.

The contemporary design focuses on the visitor experience, revealing the city's rich heritage with historical images and stories complemented by flashes of copper to echo Truro’s historical past as a Stannary town for trade in tin and copper.

Alun Jones, Truro BID manager said: “Truro’s diverse shopping areas, attractions, opes and parks are highlighted to encourage exploration and uncover the heritage and beauty of this great little city. The new system not only highlights the core shopping areas but also encourages people to wander through the secondary areas of the city as well, after all that is where much of its beauty lies.”

The first eight signs, which replace the existing well-worn welcome signs in the city, also display the new city centre map. “The new signs have already been received with many complements,’ added Mr Jones. “I have had the pleasure of speaking with many visitors this week while the signs have been in place and they have all commented on the clarity of the information and how well the new design complements the existing street furniture of the city.”

The Connected Truro project has been funded and managed by the Truro BID working with a partnership of business and council representatives to ensure the project not only complements but enhances the visitor experience while in the city.

A further 35 signs, which include monoliths and finger posts, are at planning stage and expected to be installed later this year.

A "family of signs" have been developed by 20/20 Projects and Wolf Rock Marketing, that are sympathetic to the architectural and geographical make-up of the city. Much of the pavement space is narrow in the city centre so the second phase of signs will feature a monolith design allowing for the right proportion of information to be displayed at a readable height for people and those in wheelchairs, while leaving plenty of space for passing pedestrians.

The signs have a black aluminium frame, with raw copper highlights; over the coming year’s these elements will verdigris to eventually match the green colour of the copper spire found on the cathedral and bus station. The historical images depicted on the signs date back to the early 1900s highlighting how the layout of Truro has changed in just over 100 years.