6 April 2010

Roads Plan will Open Business Access and Boost Economy

A scheme worth more than £8 million to plan major new roads and open up access to businesses in Camborne, Pool and Redruth has been approved for almost £5,335,000 ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) Convergence investment.

The CPR Transport Infrastructure Strategy will provide planning, design work and a series of studies required to support the major road construction scheme. It also includes a second package of work to construct an access road at Trevenson Park South to open up land for commercial use.

It is estimated that once the statutory procedures have been completed, the road scheme itself will cost £45 million and will be part funded by the Department for Transport (DfT), Cornwall Council and private developers.

Carolyn Rule, Economic Portfolio holder at Cornwall Council which is the project leader, said, "The economic transformation of Camborne, Pool and Redruth will take many forms. Helping people move around - from their homes to work, from business to business, and to visit friends and family is part of this. This Convergence investment is a vital part of unlocking the massive economic potential of CPR."

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Convergence Partnership Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said, "The complexities of the historic economic decline in the CPR area cannot be underestimated. This significant infrastructure Convergence investment will realise the potential of existing and future regeneration activities.'

The project is part of a larger regeneration initiative within the CPR area, which is to secure the creation of 6,000 new jobs and the development of 6,000 homes.  A key element to these plans is the provision of a transport strategy involving a major construction scheme for a new road running East/West and an improved corridor running North/South that will Link Camborne Pool and Redruth. 

Neil Lindsey, European Team Director for CPR Regeneration, the urban regeneration company for Camborne, Pool and Redruth welcomed the news, "This investment from Europe in road infrastructure will enable us to provide the necessary access to some key sites in Pool for the development of workspace and new homes.  Along with some proposed initiatives in sustainable transport this will help to make the area a better place for people to work and live within."