Several projects in Cornwall feature in Government's National Infrastructure Strategy
It includes funding for Camborne, Penzance, St Ives and Truro to pay for major regeneration projects
Several infrastructure projects in Cornwall are highlighted in a new government strategy which Prime Minister Boris Johnson hopes will spark a UK “renaissance”.
A series of transport, regeneration, housing and flood prevention schemes across the South West feature in the National Infrastructure Strategy.
The Prime Minister drew attention to the dualling of the A303 in his foreword.
“The projects in this strategy, including £27billion of public funding next year, will create wealth and thousands of jobs to repair some of the scars from the pandemic.”
Boris Johnson
A record £27.5billion investment in strategic roads will include “building a two-mile tunnel on the A303 at Stonehenge to speed up journeys and enhance the World Heritage Site”, benefitting communities further into the South West.
The strategy reaffirms that “the government will invest in the South West to help rebalance the UK economy”, noting that the likes of Penzance are prime for “levelling up”.
Other projects highlighted in the strategy include:
- Development funding to progress seven rail schemes in the South West, including the Mid Cornwall Metro service connecting some of the county’s biggest towns
- Safeguarding vital transport links to the mainland for people living on the Isles of Scilly
Work and plans are progressing on several other schemes not mentioned by name, including the upgrade of the rail line at Dawlish which will boost people and businesses in Cornwall.
A map within the strategy details how Cornwall will benefit from two other major funding streams:
- Nine South West towns will receive up to £25million each via the Towns Fund to support major regeneration plans, including Camborne, Penzance, St Ives and Truro.
- Seven South West projects have been awarded a total of £526million via the Housing Infrastructure Fund to unlock thousands of new homes, including £47.5million for the Northern Access Road in Truro and £12.9million for Hayle.
The 100-page strategy, entitled ‘Fairer, faster, greener’, outlines the government’s long-term vision for infrastructure investment.
“I am absolutely delighted to see the Mid Cornwall Metro rail service scheme awarded development funding to allow these plans to be progressed.
“These plans will provide a coast-to-coast rail link between Falmouth and Newquay – a route for enabling students to easily commute from further afield to the university campuses at Falmouth and Penryn to Newquay and a great way to grow Falmouth and Penryn’s economy.
“I will continue to do all I can, working with local partners and the Department for Transport, to ensure this project progresses.”
Cherilyn Mackrory, Truro and Falmouth MP
“This proposal is one I have been working on for some time.
“If successful, it will provide opportunities for Newquay residents to have better connections to St Austell and Truro, as well as Plymouth and beyond.
“It will also create a direct regular coast-to-coast link between Newquay and Falmouth.
“Connecting two of Cornwall’s key tourist centres will be good for local businesses and the wider economy of both towns as well as those communities along the route.
“I am delighted to have secured this funding from the government, which will allow the development of a business case for this new service, which will include improved railway infrastructure to allow a direct service to operate on the existing lines.
“I look forward to continuing to work with all concerned to ensure this project becomes a reality in the coming years.”
Steve Double, St Austell and Newquay
The strategy was published following the Spending Review by Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
“It delivers a once-in-a-generation transformation in our approach to infrastructure – creating jobs, growing the economy and increasing pride in the places people call home.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak