Cornwall Council was asked this week why discussions on the planned Mid Cornwall Metro scheme have been delayed. 

The new direct train link between Falmouth and Newquay was awarded £50m funding from the Government’s ‘Levelling Up’ fund in January.

At a meeting of the full council on Tuesday (September 19), Mr Rickard, of St Dennis, asked: “Please explain why the Mid Cornwall Metro project, which in July was scheduled for debate at this council meeting, will not now be discussed until the December cabinet meeting? Please also describe the council’s public consultation procedure for this project.”

The council anticipates that the project will revolutionise transportation infrastructure in the region, offering residents the provision of hourly trains, improving rail links between Newquay, St Austell, Truro and Falmouth.

Work will see the installation of longer platforms at two Falmouth stations, accompanied by a second platform at Newquay and a new crossing place on the Newquay branch line at Tregoss Moor. Total costs for the project’s delivery are estimated at £56.8 million, seeing a partial funding amount of £2.71 million from Cornwall Council, with the outstanding balance being provided through other funders.

Cllr Richard Pears, the Conservative cabinet’s new portfolio holder for transport replied to Mr Rickard saying that the programme for delivery of the service is earmarked for March 2026.

He said: “The Mid Cornwall Metro ‘Levelling Up’ fund bid approval announced in January 2023 is subject to funding rules and conditions, for which Cornwall Council is the accountable body. It is therefore imperative that risks and costs are managed to ensure successful scheme delivery. Prior to recommending to cabinet to proceed with this project, work must be concluded in partnership with our rail industry partners to minimise risk to the council in terms of rail infrastructure delivery and [to allow for] grant funding to secure enhanced rail services for a fixed period prior to them operating.

“The revised programme provides more time to develop a detailed knowledge of these costs and risks, and to secure binding arrangements and agreements with partners before entering into the ‘Levelling Up’ fund agreement.”

Cllr Pears said there had been extensive engagement with stakeholders as part of the bid submission process, including MPs, Cornwall councillors, town and parish councils, and key businesses, and the consultation and engagement activity is ongoing.

He added: “The extended programme will allow for further public and stakeholder consultations on more detailed rail and active travel proposals as the scheme designs develop. This programme will all be set out in the cabinet report, which will be delivered later.”

Benefits of the Mid Cornwall Metro include: Hourly direct service connecting Newquay, Par, St Austell, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth

Doubling of services from Newquay to Par – an extra 700,000 seats per year both ways

All-year local services as well as local and long-distance services operating concurrently along the Newquay branch

Additional daily Newquay to London services, summer mid-week

Increased frequency of mainline rail services between Par, St Austell and Truro