Cornwall Council’s Cabinet has given its backing to the next stage of an exciting and innovative scheme to regenerate a run-down area of Truro.

The scheme will provide many benefits including homes, workspace, learning opportunities and job creation as part of a vibrant new neighbourhood with green spaces and good quality public realm.

Portfolio holder for economy for culture, economy and planning Bob Egerton said:  “The project team has developed a bold vision for Pydar Street which is focused on putting the community back into the heart of the city.

"Around 300 new homes are envisaged where different generations can live together and learn from and support each other. 35% 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 great leisure, hospitality and cultural facilities which connect the city with its rivers and waterfront and Pydar Street is set to champion the very best of Cornwall and become an exciting blue print for the future.”

“The project will also become a beacon for new ways of living and help tackle the climate emergency by aspiring to be a ‘carbon natural in use’ site, championing clean energy, urban agriculture and the electric vehicle revolution.”

The Cabinet yesterday allocated £3million to fund the next stage as they agreed the proposed masterplan, outline business case and that an outline planning application should be submitted for the scheme early next year.

The major site at the end of Pydar Street is a key area in the centre of Truro which is currently partially derelict.

However, the £170 million regeneration of Pydar Street will help deliver on the council’s commitment to provide new low carbon homes for Cornwall.

There are also plans to create ‘The Hive’, a hub for the creative industries, bringing jobs and ensuring top talent from Falmouth University and local business stays in Cornwall.

The proposals to regenerate the site will deliver a vibrant community hub with green spaces, leisure uses and increased connectivity to green areas surrounding Truro. 

It will also enhance natural areas along the river, as well as provide terraced gardens and the planting of 150 trees.

A recent week-long public engagement event drew in many people to view and discuss the proposals for the site and there was overwhelming support from the public for the scheme.

Cabinet members also recognised and endorsed the extensive engagement that has already taken place with the community and key stakeholders including Truro City Council, Kenwyn Parish Council, Truro BID and the Chamber of Commerce, whose voices have been heard in getting the project to this stage in line with the resident approved Truro and Kenwyn Neighbourhood Plan.

Bert Biscoe, Cornwall councillor for Truro Boscawen and Truro City Councillor said: “Pydar Street was evacuated in the 1960s to help pay for improving council houses in the town.

"It ended up as council offices! The careful and creative work which is being done today focuses on restoring this neighbourhood to be able to play a pastoral, economic and cultural role in the life of the town. The complicated ownerships of this land, its bland and excluding appearance, and a generation of pointless stasis, are points of hurtful distress for Truro.

"I hope that what transpires will offer families, Truro businesses, and nature an opportunity to rekindle the life of our town, to evolve with warmth, pride and energy. Well done Cornwall Council - we will be watching for you to stick to Truro's 'guns', to the town's human aspirations - there are many forms of growth, of which the most important, as we face-up to the climate challenge, is in communities, relationships and thoughtfulness - values matter; Pydar Street matters - take care!”

The £3 million of funding to progress the project will be loaned to Treveth Holdings, the company set up by the council to generate income to support the delivery of vital services.