Pydar Street site: initial proposals put to public in exhibition on Lemon Quay

Affordable homes where people of all ages want to live. Green spaces and exciting indoor and outdoor activities for young and old. Creative workspaces where people can make and sell things. Cafes and bars where people can meet, talk and laugh, and a special community hub at the centre of the site….these are just some of the ideas put forward during the first Discover Pydar community event held in Truro over the weekend.

More than 150 people took up the invitation to find out more about ideas for the new 'neighbourhood’, braving the cold to visit the special Pydar exhibition and give their views on the emerging proposals to Cornwall Council and architects PRP.

Following the first day of the exhibition which took place on Lemon Quay as part of the Children’s Day activities, the team moved to the Pydar site for the second day which focused on the theme of the environment.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the planting of three Cornish apple trees on part of the regeneration site.  Godfrey Mortimer, local resident of 50 years and the Mayor of Truro Lindsay Southcombe were joined by Shiela Richardson, who grew up in the heart of Pydar at Boscawen, and 12 year old Rowan Hammond to plant the first new trees at Pydar.

While lots of different views were put forward during the two days, everyone was united on the need for something to happen on the site. There was a really positive response to the idea of people living and working in the centre of the city, and for creating stronger links to the woods at the edge of the site and to the river, with more spaces to sit and relax. Others wanted workspaces where innovators, entrepreneurs and owners of small businesses could develop their ideas, and places and activities where people of all ages could play and have fun and improve their physical and mental health. 

Many people were equally clear about the things they did not want. These included high density characterless housing developments and shopping malls, bars and restaurants which could damage the existing city centre.  Others were concerned about the proposals generating additional traffic on the roads.

It is planned that an outline planning permission will be submitteed at the end of this year.

There will be further community events over the coming months to enable as many people as possible to shape the vision for Pydar. People can also find out about the project on the Truro Place Shaping website

Future Pydar community activities include a “Get Active Weekender” in July with a programme of outdoor events delivered in partnership with leisure and sports providers; a Dawn to Dusk festival on 14 September, with free music, and a Community Dig Week in October which will celebrate the past history and heritage of the site.

April 2019