Cornwall Council has enlisted top industry firms to enhance regional infrastructure.
- Arcadis, Inner Circle Consulting, and Turner & Townsend to provide diverse engineering services.
- The initiative aims to drive efficiency and support Cornwall’s carbon-neutral ambitions.
- Key focus is on transformative projects like Camelford Bypass and Mid Cornwall Metro.
- The collaboration promises to boost local growth, skills, and sustainability.
Cornwall Council has initiated a significant stride in its infrastructure development by appointing Arcadis, Inner Circle Consulting, and Turner & Townsend as its key professional services partners. This collaboration is set to deliver an extensive range of multidisciplinary services, including architecture and various engineering disciplines, aimed at invigorating Cornwall’s infrastructure framework.
The new partnership is designed to streamline the council’s infrastructure delivery mechanisms. By drawing on the global expertise of Arcadis and the strategic insights of Inner Circle and Turner & Townsend, Cornwall Council plans to accelerate its capital programme. This effort supports the council’s vision of fostering a carbon-neutral Cornwall, providing a comprehensive living experience from start to finish for all residents.
Sarah Roby, Cornwall Council’s head of capital, performance, and PFI, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting Arcadis’s proven capability in handling challenging projects both in the UK and globally. According to Roby, this collaboration aligns with Cornwall’s goal of creating a thriving, sustainable community that caters to its inhabitants’ diverse needs and life stages.
Arcadis’s senior director, James Halse, reiterated the firm’s longstanding advisory role with Cornwall Council, emphasizing the potential to enhance local expertise and growth through this partnership. The alliance is set to bring world-class talent and innovative processes to the table, poised to uplift Cornwall’s organisational efficiency and project execution as development progresses.
Inner Circle Consulting has been a pivotal strategic advisor to Cornwall Council. James Windsor, director at Inner Circle, expressed excitement over renewing this partnership, aligning with their mission to deliver superior public services. Windsor highlighted the aim to confront Cornwall’s 21st-century challenges with innovative, community-focused solutions, reinforcing Cornwall’s blueprint for a prosperous and inclusive future.
Chris Sargent, Turner & Townsend’s real estate manager, spoke about leveraging their extensive experience in the South West to support Cornwall’s ambitious projects. The firm aims to contribute crucial expertise to help realise growth and development in the region, further cementing the association’s significant role in Cornwall’s expansive developmental agenda.
One of the major projects under this initiative is the Camelford Bypass, a £147M infrastructure project addressing significant traffic congestion issues through a newly proposed route. Cornwall Council aims to alleviate traffic flow and enhance connectivity in Camelford through strategic roadway expansions and new link constructions.
Another transformative project is the Mid Cornwall Metro, envisaged to revolutionise regional transport connectivity. With a funding boost from the Levelling Up Fund, the project seeks to introduce an hourly train service connecting key locations across Cornwall, integrating modern signalling technology and station enhancements to optimise passenger services.
Additionally, Cornwall Council is prioritising the establishment of robust flood defences in Looe, one of the most flood-prone towns in the UK. This highlights the council’s commitment to safeguarding its communities from natural adversities, ensuring long-term resilience and security for residents.
This strategic partnership marks a pivotal step forward in Cornwall’s quest for enhanced regional infrastructure and sustainable growth.
