A dramatic redesign of one of Helston's main town centre streets is being suggested in order to reduce through-traffic and make it welcoming to visitors.

It is part of plans being put forward by Helston Community Interest Company (CIC), which has drawn up a series of projects aimed at bringing more people to the town and improving business.

Designs include making Coinagehall Street a one-way system, as in Meneage Street, and widening the pavements to allow market stalls, planting and potentially cafe tables and chairs in fine weather.

Described as "complex proposals", the images released are just two of a number being put together on behalf of the CIC, which will all be on display at a public consultation next week.

Anyone with concerns, questions or ideas is urged to attend next Wednesday (May 25) or Thursday (May 26) between 10am and 8pm, at the Guildhall.

A proposed new look the top of Coinagehall Street Picture: Mei Loci Architects

A proposed new look the top of Coinagehall Street Picture: Mei Loci Architects

David Turnbull, a director of Helston CIC, said: "Helston has a thriving community, but as with many small market towns, the centre has lost its spirit.

"However, there is plenty of opportunity to improve the town centre and attract more visitors and locals to use the town’s amenities and businesses. The heritage and architecture of the town centre is outstanding and must be the cornerstone for all proposals which aim for improvement.

"Several recent projects have achieved notable success. The Museum of Cornish Life, CAST, refurbishment of the Grylls Monument and Coronation Park have proved extremely successful and attractive to visitors. But we are still struggling with declining town centre footfall – we need more reasons for people to come to Helston and enjoy its streets."

The Re-imaging Helston’s High Streets project is aimed at improving the main town centre areas.

Ideas include:

• Enhance Coinagehall Street, refurbish the kennels and pavements, and improve pathways in Meneage Street. Make more space for pedestrians and improve crossings for easier pedestrian movement.

• Refurbish the key access points such as Horse & Jockey Lane and make the centre of town more welcoming. Celebrate Helston’s opes and lanes.

• Restore the town’s historic identity and pride in its impressive architecture.

• Increase a sense of community within the town centre by creating space for meeting, conversation and shared activity.

• Reduce through traffic whilst enabling full access to all areas of the town.

• Attract more footfall to support the town centre economy.

Mr Turnbull added: "These are complex proposals and the team has been working closely with Cornwall Council and Highways to identify ways that we can make Helston more attractive and less traffic dominant – reducing ‘through traffic’ whilst making Helston as welcoming and easy to access as possible for all visitors.

"The diagram and visuals are just part of the proposals being shown at the public consultation on May 25 and 26 in Helston Guildhall.

"If you would like to have your input, please come along, view the plans and discuss the proposals with members of the Helston Place Shaping team.

"Further details can be accessed within the Projects section of the Discover Helston website."

Plans for Helston’s Cultural Quarter and for better walking and cycling routes in the town have previously been published in the Packet, while ideas for the old Budgens building can be found here.

Work has been progressing on each of the projects which are now ready for public input in preparation for the recently announced Levelling Up Fund bid for Cornwall.