The Mid Cornwall Metro has had the green light to get going following the Transport Secretary, Mark Harper’s, visit to Newquay.
On Wednesday the Transport Secretary met with stakeholders for this project in Newquay to go through the detail, including representatives from Cornwall Council, Network Rail, Great Western Railway and the Department for Transport. Local MP Steve Double was also present to show the minister why this scheme is so important to people across Mid-Cornwall.
The Mid Cornwall Metro is a £56.8m project that will deliver an hourly coast-to-coast rail service between Newquay, Par, St Austell, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth, and all the stations in between.
A new rail passing loop at Tregoss Moor will allow trains to pass each other. This will enable local and long-distance services to operate concurrently – meaning local services can run all year round.
Par station will benefit from a new accessible footbridge, lift and interchange.
The project will include reopening the second platform at Newquay Station and a £7million investment in the station, as well station improvements and better walking and cycling access at Roche and Bugle stations. Tap in, tap out Pay As You Go ticketing with a GWR smartcard will also be extended to the whole of Cornwall, plus Plymouth and the Tamar Valley Line, as part of the project.
Walking and cycling links will be improved between Penryn and Falmouth, including to Penryn station and the University campuses. Par station will benefit from a new accessible footbridge, lift and interchange.
Work is due to start later this year and be completed by 2026.
Commenting, Steve Double MP said:
“It was great to go through the detail of the Mid-Cornwall Metro scheme with the Transport Secretary and show him around the station quarter in Newquay. This scheme represents the biggest ever investment by any government in our local railway network and will bring investment into Newquay.”
“Providing better rail connection for people along the route will increase opportunities for everyone, especially young people, for education, training and work as well supporting our local tourism sector.”
“I’m delighted to have been able to secure this investment and want to thank everyone who has worked to deliver this exciting scheme. Now the work can begin so we can deliver the benefits of the scheme to local people and businesses as soon as possible.”
Commenting Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper MP said:
“I was delighted to visit Newquay and see the Mid-Cornwall Metro project alongside Steve Double MP, who has been a vocal champion for this project.”
“This £56m project, with £50m from the Government's Levelling Up Fund, will connect Newquay to the rest of Mid-Cornwall by doubling the number of trains that will expand opportunity for education, training and work for all those who live along the route, as well as supporting tourism. I was also interested to hear of the improvements this will bring to the Newquay Station quarter and attract further investment. Lots of effort has gone into this exciting project and I look forward to seeing it completed as part of the Government’s plan to improve local transport - bringing real benefit to the people of Newquay and across Mid-Cornwall.”
Commenting Cllr Louis Gardner, Cabinet Member at Cornwall Council for the Economy said:
“I was pleased to welcome Mark Harper MP to Newquay so that he could see firsthand the real need for Levelling Up investment into the Mid Cornwall Metro project. The new hourly train service connecting Newquay with the Clay villages, St Austell and onwards as well as over £7 million of investment into the station and Narrowcliff area of town will act as a catalyst for further investment into Newquay and is very much needed. I thank the UK government and local MP Steve Double for recognising the need and the benefits of an investment of this scale into Newquay.”
Commenting, Cllr Richard Williams-Pears, Cabinet Member at Cornwall Council for Transport, said:
“The Mid Cornwall Metro is not just a transit project; it’s a new artery for the heart of Cornwall, pumping vitality and opportunity through our communities. With sustainability at its core, we’re crafting a future where every journey enhances the lives of our residents and paves the way for a thriving Cornwall, fit for the modern world.”