Truro has been awarded £750,000 to get seven projects underway early as it puts together a larger bid for a £25 million transformation of the city.

Bike parking across the city, event equipment, refurbished community centres and sports facilities are among the projects approved for the Accelerated Capital funding from the government's Towns Fund.

A festive trail of light-up installations across Truro’s shop windows this winter season, inspired by the annual City of Lights community art project and lantern parade, is another key project to be given a cash boost.

It’s the first funding to be confirmed as the Truro Town Deal Board puts together an investment plan to bid for at least £25 million for regeneration projects.

Truro is one of 101 towns to be selected to bid for the government's £3.6 billion Towns Fund, along with Camborne, Penzance and St Ives in Cornwall.

Read next: First look at projects that could transform Truro with £25 million bid

Carole Theobald, chair of Truro Town Deal board, said: “This first award of funding is incredibly welcome, and gives a flavour of the further projects we’ll be bringing to life in the coming weeks as part of our larger bid.

“We selected each of these successful projects for their ability to strengthen our communities, improve our city as a place to live and work, as well as drive footfall and visitor numbers.

“Several are set to be delivered by the end of this year, so it’s exciting that this funding will have an impact on Truro very soon.”

Projects to be awarded funding under the Accelerated Capital fund include:

  • “Light Up Truro”: £132,000 (total project cost £140,000)

Bringing a festive trail of illuminated installations and displays to up to 100 of Truro’s shop windows to attract visitors and build on the success of City of Lights. The funding will go towards technology to be used throughout the year.

  • City centre infrastructure: £198,000

Cycle parking throughout the city centre, Boscawen and Hendra parks. Trial of movable bike ports to test different locations around the city, plus moveable cycle parking for use during events.

Upgrading existing seating, planters, bike storage and other street furniture and improved disabled access through the city.

  • Mobile Stage and Performance Equipment: £82,000

Purchase of a mobile stage, lighting and sound equipment to enable events to take place at locations around the city, whilst maintaining social distancing.

  • Boscawen Park Pavilion: £60,000 against total project value of £580,000.

Redevelopment of tennis courts, new pavilion building and café, accessible toilets, information point and bike hire.

  • Street Markets: £60,000

Funding for 12 gazebos, power and lighting plus storage and transportation units to create space for up to 24 market stalls within Truro city centre.

  • Threemilestone Community Centre: £107,000 (within total project value of £600,000)

Extending the community centre with a porch and extension to cater for increasing demand. Creating a physical link with the GP surgery and installation of bike hub facilities to encourage cycling.

  • St Clements Street Centre: £110,000 (within total project value of £120,00).

To return St Clement Street Centre into use as a community centre, including refurbishment and building management, so the building can meet the needs of the community, especially younger and older people.

Also receiving cash now is Camborne, which similarly gets £750,000, while Penzance and St Ives have been awarded £500,000 for projects.