GWR and Network Rail have invested over £6.5 million in the railway in Cornwall will see the construction of three new sidings in Penzance.

The new, longer sidings will mean GWR will be better able to service and run longer, nine-carriage trains between London Paddington and Penzance.

The Ponsandane sidings will be built to the west of Long Rock Depot which is around one mile from Penzance station and mean Penzance will be able to accommodate longer trains by providing a dedicated place for the trains to be stored, cleaned and prepared before re-entering service.

Construction of the new sidings will start later this month and is expected to be completed within a year. Once complete, the new sidings will enable an increase in capacity near the depot better allowing GWR to clean and maintain its fleet, supporting much needed business, tourism and connectivity in Cornwall.

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In addition to the sidings, Cornwall Council has submitted plans for a new car park at Ponsandane with a view of creating around an additional 60 parking spaces in Penzance including five accessible spaces, six electric vehicle charging spaces and space for up to 15 motorbikes. Plans also include a new bicycle hub and bicycle hire facilities while providing easy access to the recently upgraded South West Coast path.

Network Rail is also continuing to support plans for the proposed future Mid-Cornwall Metro.

The Ponsandane sidings are being funded by £4.8m from Network Rail and £1.75m from GWR. Cornwall Council is seeking to secure funding from the Government’s Town Deal Fund to start the construction of the new car park and cycle hub in 2023.

Christian Irwin, Network Rail's Industry Programme Director (South West), said: "We are delighted to be continuing our investment into the railway in Cornwall. Over the last 18 months, we've made a number of significant improvements to rail travel in the county including completing the biggest track investment on the St Ives Bay line in 60 years, upgrading to the Newquay branch line and renewing parts of the River Fowey viaduct and track at Lostwithiel station.

"As the country looks to recover from the Covid pandemic and passengers are increasingly returning to the railway, it has never been a more important time to invest in rail and ensure the railway is an efficient, affordable and reliable green transport option for residents, commuters and tourists alike."