Truro harbour dredging begins as Newham faces a busy autumn

A working dredger is about to become a regular fixture on the water at Truro, lifting thousands of cubic metres of silt out of the upper reaches of the harbour. And it is only one of the changes heading for the businesses of Newham over the next few months, from a realigned main road to a new sign, a litter hunt with a prize on offer and a long-established shop going up for sale. Newham BID has set out what is coming in its latest newsletter.

A dredger called Mannin arrives in the Upper Quays

From 13 August 2026, Cormac begins dredging works in the Upper Quays area, taking in Town Quay, Garras Wharf and Worths Quay. Businesses can expect to see the dredger operating within Truro Harbour between now and December as the programme progresses.

The work forms part of the Truro Town Deal and is designed to restore water depth in the upper reaches of the harbour. The aim is to lengthen the “tidal window”, increasing the amount of time vessels have enough under-keel clearance to safely navigate to and from the upper quays within the Port of Truro. Newham sits on one of the working edges of Truro, and the harbour has always been part of its character.

The capital dredging programme will remove up to 5,600m³ of accumulated sediment, improving long-term access for harbour users and supporting commercial activity within the port. The dredger, Mannin, will display the appropriate navigation lights and signals and will monitor VHF Channel 12 throughout operations. During transit above Malpas Point the vessel will be constrained by its draft, and it will regularly travel between the dredging area and the designated disposal site during spring tides.

Businesses and harbour users are asked to stay aware of the activity and to take care when navigating near operational areas. More detail is on the council’s Truro Harbour Let’s Talk page.

Big changes on the A39 Morlaix Avenue

The other project reshaping the area is the work on Morlaix Avenue, where the new shared-use pedestrian and cycle path is nearing completion and road markings have already been painted. Cormac is approaching the end of the overall scheme, with current works including the construction of an access point linking the shared-use path directly into the Gwel housing estate.

The A39 Morlaix Avenue has been realigned and narrowed as part of the scheme, and the existing slip road has been shortened. That has increased the pressure on drivers exiting the estate and joining the A39. Businesses running larger vehicles in particular may find the new layout more challenging and are encouraged to take extra care while getting used to it.

Many respondents to the Let’s Talk Cornwall survey on Morlaix Avenue raised concerns about the new pathway, the slip road configuration and vehicle speeds in the area. Newham BID says its own representative was respondent number 91, and that the feedback showed shared worries among local businesses. A decision on the Traffic Regulation Order is expected in September 2026. Newham BID has formally asked to be involved in the post-completion assessment process and to review the Road Safety Audit Stage 3 once it is available, and it is inviting further comments from businesses and road users.

The Gwel, and who will look after it

This week Newham BID representatives met the Vistry site team to ask about the future management company that will take responsibility for maintaining the hoggin pathway on Higher Newham Lane, including the barrier, the grassed areas and the removal of any debris. The various access points through the estate were also discussed.

A new sign, a litter pick and a first aid course

The new sign installation in Newham is set for Wednesday 19 August.

A “swift” litter pick is planned for Friday 11 September at 1pm. Anyone taking part is asked to meet at Tilewise on Newham Road, wear sensible shoes and bring gloves, though all equipment will be provided. There is a prize for whoever collects the most, and groups will split to tackle Heron Way and Lighterage Hill, the Newham entrance, Higher Newham Lane, Harvey Hill and Newham Road. Businesses are also asked to keep the fronts of their premises tidy to keep the area looking smart.

There are three spaces left on the FAA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF), delivered by Joe Rice First Aid on 17 September. It is a recognised qualification that lasts three years, and a light lunch is included. Businesses that want a place on the course, want to join the litter pick, or have feedback on Morlaix Avenue can reach the BID through its contact page.

A golf business for sale, and a video on the way

Truro Golf Warehouse, at Unit 6 Newham Industrial Estate on Higher Newham Lane, is up for sale. The newsletter describes it as a long-established golf retail business coming to the market as part of retirement planning, with details listed on Newham BID’s vacant properties page.

There is also a piece of filming to look out for. DCA Media have been working through footage shot across Newham in June and July, and the newsletter says the “hero” video will be released on Tuesday 25 August on Newham BID’s social media.

📷Credit: Ian Woolcock / stock.adobe.com