The first phase of work to transform the Pydar area of Truro is set to begin in the New Year.
The Cornwall Council-led proposals aim to revitalise what is currently a partially derelict area.
Outline planning permission was given for the £170million project by the Council’s Strategic Planning Committee in October and now early demolition work is to take place as the project to create a new neighbourhood with 320 homes, restaurants and cafes, acres of parks and greenspace and other amenities gets under way.
From early February, local contractor DSM will start to pull down Carrick House and St Clement's House, 57 Pydar Street, the Viaduct car park and the Oak Way units.
Truro Bowl will remain open throughout the works.
Pydar Street, Viaduct and Carrick House car parks will be closed from February 1. Drivers heading to Truro are urged to make use of the Park and Ride sites. Alternative long-stay parking can be found at Moorfield, Edward Street and Moresk, and short-stay parking at Old Bridge Street.
Signs on the approaches to Truro also show drivers which car parks have spaces available.
Stephen Rushworth, the Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Economy, said: “The demolition works have been planned to begin after the busy Christmas and New Year period to minimise disruption to roads, pavements and local businesses and residents while ensuring access to parking during the most popular time of the year.
“All car parks will remain open for Christmas shoppers. They will not be closed until early February.”
A meet-and-greet session with the site manager and contractor will be scheduled for early in the New Year so that people can ask questions and learn more about activity on the site.
Some limited works will be carried out from December, including archaeological investigations, where the contractors will be careful to examine the area and preserve any historical items.
The Carrick Cabins emergency accommodation site, which was put in place by the Council during its response to the pandemic, has now closed and is being decommissioned. The Council has recently opened a new site at New County Hall, which was this week joined by a similar scheme in Camborne.
Cllr Rushworth added: “We are pleased to appoint DSM as our demolition partner to deliver this scheme. They have been specifically chosen for their expertise in this type of work and a strong track record in Cornwall.”
Olly Monk, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning, said: “We are really pleased to be starting this important project which will support recovery, job creation, new and affordable housing, and investment in our local community.
“This development also supports the Council’s commitments to reach net zero carbon, by introducing a new innovative sustainable energy source, providing improved support for electric vehicles, and installing e-bike and walking infrastructure.
“In addition to these benefits, the hoarding going around the site will feature some of our stellar local artists, such as Cassie Penn, as well as a space for people to create new art.”
Chris Wells, Cornwall Council member for Truro Moresk & Trehaverne, said: “At long last, the regeneration of the Pydar Street site is about to commence.
“I welcome the commitment of DSM to work closely with local residents and that the contractor will minimise nuisance from dust, noise, or any other disruption during the demolition phase.
“Further, I am pleased that the development team is working closely with city councillors to ensure the designs for the new buildings reflect the historic character of the city.”
More detailed planning applications – known as reserved matters consents – will be submitted for the project in due course.
More details will be available over the coming months and on www.pydar.co.uk.
For more information on this work, contact Lead Non-Operational Surveyor Jonny Alford via jonny.alford@cornwall.gov.uk
To stay in touch with all the news about Pydar, follow @PydarTruro on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Story posted on December 17, 2021