Plans to turn pub in Cornwall into student housing and store

While converting empty pubs into houses has become increasingly common in recent years, somewhat unusually the pub in this instance hasn’t actually shut yet.

However, Treveth, Cornwall Council’s property development arm, has already revealed plans for The Railway Tavern in Station Road, Truro, which it said is due to close in September this year.

A public consultation event will take place on Wednesday, April 10, for people to hear more about the proposals to build a new development on the site, which will include 40 to 50 student beds in different accommodation types, and a 400sqm commercial space that is likely to be a convenience store.

An illustrative view of one of the potential design concepts to be shared at the public consultation for feedback. More visuals and information boards for the proposed new development at Railway Tavern will be available to view at the public consultation (Image: Treveth)

Treveth has already acquired the site, next to Truro Station, and is now inviting the local community to view the plans next Wednesday, April 10, between 2pm and 7pm at Truro Community Fire Station in Station Road, Truro, TR1 3HA.

The details will also be published online at www.treveth.co.uk/railway-tavern from 2pm on April 10.

An online feedback questionnaire will also be available to complete up until the close of the consultation on Friday, April 26.

The site that is now owned by Cornwall Council's development company, Treveth (Image: Treveth)

The developer said it was “keen to breathe new life back into the area, after the pub closes.”

It said: “The proposal for the site, which is located next to Truro’s main railway station, is to deliver much-needed accommodation for students in Truro city and a new commercial space to serve the neighbouring community.

“This informal drop-in session on 10th April seeks to provide some detail around the proposals and provide an opportunity for local people to talk to the team behind the delivery of the proposed new development and provide feedback on the scheme.

“The plans are designed to regenerate a currently neglected area by delivering a high-quality, sustainable development, which will enhance a gateway to Truro city when arriving by rail and provide improved travel services and links to the future Langarth Garden Village.”

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It added that the proposed convenience store would generate 15 to 20 new jobs, while there could also be further employment opportunities involved with managing the student accommodation and the supply chain involved with this.

Tom Davey, development manager at Treveth, said: “This is Treveth’s first specific student scheme and aims to help resolve a significant shortage of high-in-demand student accommodation in Truro.

“This will, in turn, free up existing housing stock for local people in a key area of Truro. The provision of a convenience store will bring a new amenity to the locality, providing more opportunities and better employment space.

“We’re looking forward to unveiling our proposed plans. Attendees will be able to see display boards which highlight what the development could look like, alongside receiving more information about the types of accommodation that will be on offer to students, as well as Treveth’s approach to sustainability, which is embedded in all our development works.”

The event is the first opportunity for local people to view the proposed plans and provide their thoughts and feedback on the redevelopment ahead of a full planning application being made to Cornwall Council.

To request further information or view the consultation materials in a different format, email enquiries@trevethholdings.co.uk or phone 01872 706010.

• Article updated with extra image on Wednesday, April l0, 2024