Truro Town Deal is making a positive impact on the city through a number of improvement projects delivered through the Accelerator Fund.
Announced last September, the Government’s Towns Fund awarded up to £750k for projects that aim to regenerate and boost economic growth. The board went on to secure £23.6 million in April this year for projects to be delivered up until 2026.
But Accelerator projects being delivered by Truro City Council and Truro Business Improvement District are already making their mark – from event equipment to seating and planting, bike stands, notice boards plus a revamped community centre.
Carole Theobald, chair of Truro Town Deal Board, said: “What’s brilliant about these first funded projects is that they are driving footfall, supporting the community and making our city centre a better place for everyone to enjoy.
“Some are highly visible, such as Christmas illuminations, market equipment and staging, whilst others are simply about improving our facilities, such as hand dryers and seating – each are playing their part in regenerating Truro.”
Projects funded by the Town Deal Accelerator Fund are:
- The Moresk Centre A former day centre on St Clements Street has been refurbished and has reopened as the Moresk Centre, creating a community space available to all.
- Mobile Stage High profile events in Truro City Centre including the Tour of Britain, Black Voices Cornwall and upcoming Truro Food Festival have all benefited from the purchase of a mobile stage through the Accelerator Fund.
- City Centre Improvements and infrastructure Improved seating has been brought to the city centre by Truro City Council – including some of the combined planters and seats in use as part of Boscawen Street’s pedestrianisation trial. New benches were installed around the town centre during the first two weeks of September and notice boards and cycle hoops are due to be installed in the near future. New hand driers have been installed in public toilets, as well as a new electrical box on Lemon Quay to provide power for public events.
- Street Market Equipment The Accelerator Fund purchased market gazebos and equipment, enabling market organisers to offer affordable pitch prices. These are in use for one-day markets such as antiques and collectables, taking place alongside Truro Farmers Market, further enhancing the market offer on Lemon Quay. The equipment has also enabled Truro BID to offer free of charge community stalls at local events, such as Children’s Day during the summer holidays – driving footfall into the city centre.
- Christmas illuminations The Accelerator Fund supported the installation of an illuminated Cathedral on Trafalgar roundabout, welcoming people to the city, as well as 100 reindeer models for shop displays.
