Up to 300 new homes could be built in the centre of Truro along with a new hotel and restaurants in what is described as the first project of its kind in the country.

The plans centre on Pydar Street, between the iconic railway viaduct and the River Allen, which includes the former Carrick District Council offices.

Cornwall Council said it hoped to turn Truro into a “creative, confident city” that would “lead Cornwall into a successful and prosperous future”.

People will be able to get a first look at the proposals at an open event taking place in just over a week’s time.

This will be held at 8 Clement Street, opposite New Look, between 8am and 7pm on Monday, November 18. The exhibition will then be open daily between 12 noon and 4pm until Saturday, November 23.

The project is being led by Cornwall Council with support from Truro City Council, Truro BID, Kenwyn Parish Council and Truro Chamber of Commerce.

The council said extensive interviews had been carried out with members of the local community, as well as in workshops with involved parties over the last 12 months.

It added that previous public feedback in April this year had identified a want for affordable homes for people of all ages, along with places to sit near the river and be close to nature, city centre cycle hire hubs, and a community led venue and café.

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A council spokesperson said: “A transformed Pydar Street will put community back into the heart of the city, with approximately 300 new homes where different generations can live together and learn from and support each other.

“Thirty five per cent of these new homes will be affordable, with a mix of housing set in a visually stunning landscape with rooftop gardens, play areas and green spaces.

“Add in historical walks, cafes, restaurants, nature trails, a hotel, and engaging leisure, hospitality and cultural facilities which connect the city with its rivers and waterfront – and it is easy to see how Pydar Street will champion the very best of Cornwall and become an exciting blue print for the future.”

The project is planned as a way of helping tackle the climate emergency by aspiring to be a ‘carbon natural’ site, promoting clean energy, urban agriculture – growing food and keeping livestock in towns and cities - and a greater use of electric rather than fossil fuels.

The proposals include 'The Hive', which will bring together education, research, innovation, business, entertainment and community facilities in a one environment, with a focus on screen, digital, gaming and the creative industries to help create high-value, high-growth businesses and jobs.

An outline planning application is due to be submitted at the end of January.

Truro Cornwall Councillor Bert Biscoe said: “Much work has been done and the ideas and reflections of people have been sifted into the blend, and now a set of proposals is available for people to look at, to criticise, laugh at, praise, enhance and interfere with.

“Some bits will be controversial; some bits too bland - although the exhibition is about a piece of land which resonates with many people, the debate is about the future of Truro - and this exhibition and consultation offers a rare and genuine opportunity for Truro people to shape their place, to exploit, protect, to develop and leave alone - every word counts - don't miss it.“

The project has also been welcomed by the mayor of Truro Bob Smith, Truro Chamber of Commerce chairman Lucy Jones and Truro Bid manager Alun Jones, who said it was “vital” to get the right design.