Anyone heading to popular Cornwall holiday hotspot faces 'summer of chaos'

Residents in a popular are being made aware of upcoming roadworks which could cause travel chaos. The bustling seaside spot will see major gas pipe upgrades in the surrounding area with a number of public space improvements too. It will begin just as school breaks up. The works will take place in the centre of , with the first diggers expected to appear in the middle of the summer holiday, as the tourist season heats up.

This multi-million pound investment will focus on both regeneration and sustainable travel enhancements and will be carried out in three phases causing some roads to close. The first phase of roadworks will involve regeneration at Coinagehall Street, improving sustainable travel options while also revitalizing St Anthony's Gardens and carpark.

Penzance Town Deal Board and utility company Wales & West have warned of major disruption as a result of these infrastructure improvements however they have both insisted that despite the disruption, the work "presents a crucial opportunity to improve infrastructure and create a more pedestrian-friendly town centre for the future".

Additionally, infrastructure improvements, including pedestrian safety in the town center, will all be scheduled to commence from mid-July.

"We understand that no time is ideal for disruption, and the BID is working hard to minimise the impact by co-ordinating between all workforces to deliver both the gas pipe upgrades and the town improvement works simultaneously," said Sarah Shaw, director of the Penzance Business Improvement District (BID).

She added: "Penzance remains very much open for business during this time and residents and visitors alike are urged to continue supporting local shops, restaurants and cafés throughout the summer and beyond. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this period of transformation.

"Please bear with us and excuse our appearance while we make some much-needed changes."

The first phase of roadworks will take place from July 24 and will include gas pipe upgrade work on Madron Road and then followed by St Clares Street.

Phase one will also include multi-way traffic lights that will be in place at the junction with Centenary Way, Parc Wartha Avenue and Penalverne Drive from August 4 to September 19.

The second phase will include a road closure on Station Road, Market Jew Street, Leskinnick Street and East Terrace from September 22 to October 20.

Finally, phase three will include road closures on Market Jew Street (for the first 1-2 weeks), Market Place, The Greenmarket, Causewayhead and Alverton Street from October 20 to December 1.

"We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, which is why we're working collaboratively to agree the best way to get this important work done while causing the least disruption to the community," added Abby Smith, Wales & West Utilities programme controller.

"The essential upgrades will help secure the long-term sustainability of the town's infrastructure and help to build a more vibrant, accessible, and pedestrian-friendly town centre."

A total of £3.5 million was received by Penzance Sustainable Transport Network from the government's Town Deal programme including also £3 million from Cornwall Council.

Martin Tucker, chairman of the Board of the Penzance Town Deal added: "These essential works mark an important step forward in delivering the long-term vision for a greener, more accessible, and better-connected Penzance.

"While we recognise that the phased road closures will bring some short-term disruption, the benefits they bring - from modernised infrastructure to safer walking and cycling routes - are crucial for the town's future.

"Through the Penzance Town Deal and our Sustainable Travel Programme, we're investing in a town centre that works better for everyone: residents, businesses, and visitors. This is a significant investment in the future of Penzance - one that will make our town more resilient, vibrant, and welcoming for years to come."