Project aims/ background:
The Truro Loops project aims to reconnect the city with its river and waterfront areas, through the provision of a network of walking and cycling routes in the city and its southern landscapes. CEC provided landscape architecture and ecology services, creating a feasibility study and public consultations.
Masterplanning
The project plans to link two new bridges, river walkways, and cycle trails into a series of ‘loops’.
The focus is on much needed links to and from Newham, Boscawen Park and Malpas, across the river and into western and eastern landscape areas, as well as into the city centre. This would increase footfall in these areas – a potentially huge benefit for local businesses, social interaction and community spirit, as well as providing much safer and more attractive alternatives for pedestrians and cyclists.
The design aims to improve the urban fabric along the loops and provide links within the project area. This would include masterplanning for the southern Newham and Lighterage Quay areas, improvements to the landscape and access along Malpas and Newham Roads.
Significant health and wellbeing, educational, heritage, social, environmental and economic benefits could result from implementation of the project. The plans are due to be supported by an overarching interpretation, education and signage strategy which would develop a distinct identity for the Truro Loops project.
Community engagement
Delivery of the feasibility study included consultation with key stakeholders and public to ensure local concerns were addressed. The community engagement day also gave people the opportunity to evaluate different options for key components of the scheme.
Building a strong team
CEC acted as lead consultants for this project, managing a team consisting of Hydrock, PBWC, Hewson Engineering and WWA Surveyors. The client emphasised the importance of good working relationships and communication.
The composition of the team ensured that all technical aspects were adequately covered and solutions were examined for feasibility – the strength of our team was a key reason for the tender being awarded to us. CEC worked with all team members to query results and proposals, ultimately resulting in a coordinated range of sub-projects to facilitate the overall project outcome.
Pragmatic approach
The study identified fourteen sub-projects throughout the overall Truro Loops project area, estimated to cost £20 million to deliver. These were defined in a way that they can be delivered as separate projects if and when funding can be found. An overall eight year programme has been envisaged for delivery.
The Feasibility Study consists of a main report with a number of additional volumes covering specific subjects such as concept plans and an outline cost estimate. Further reports are supplied on ecology, landscape condition, flood risk, consultation results and information on third party projects. The appendices to the main report include project briefs to form the basis for development of detailed project scope and assist in funding applications for sub-projects. It also includes sections on governance and funding, viability and benefits.
Click to view the Truro Loops Feasibility Study
Feedback:
CEC exceeded expectations with the study result and been key to our post study strategy. They completed this project on time, within budget and to a very high standard.
They were instrumental in guiding us more environmentally sensitive solutions, and also developed some incremental projects that came out of study preparation process.
I would have no hesitation in recommending CEC to potential clients.
David Pollar, Director Truro River Working Group
