Big Changes Ahead for Newlyn Harbour: Major Investments and Upgrades Announced

The Newlyn Marine Skills & Resource Centre has received planning permission from Cornwall Council, marking a significant step forward in the development of maritime expertise in Cornwall. This project, part-funded by the government’s Town Deal Fund, aims to boost long-term economic and productivity growth. With £1.75 million secured from the Town Deal programme, the Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners (NP&HC) are now seeking a lead contractor for the project.

Penzance Town Deal and Regeneration Efforts

The Penzance Town Deal Board, in collaboration with Cornwall Council, successfully secured a Town Deal worth £21.5 million. This funding supports various initiatives designed to regenerate Penzance and Newlyn, significantly boosting the local economy. As the leading authority for Cornwall Town Deals, Cornwall Council oversees the governance and administration of these funds.

Surveys and Reports for Harbour Development

WSP Limited is currently conducting surveys and compiling technical reports to support NP&HC’s long-term ambitions for Newlyn Harbour and Sandy Cove. This work, funded by a £100,000 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, aims to provide local stakeholders with better access to opportunities within their communities.

Enhancing Efficiency and Safety in the Lorry Park

NP&HC is working on strategies to enhance efficiency and safety in Newlyn Harbour’s lorry park area. This involves collaboration with the Advisory Board and harbour users to develop both short- and long-term improvements.

Upgrades and Maintenance in the Harbour

The harbour has recently completed several maintenance projects, including the upgrade of fender pilings. The previous wooden pilings have been replaced with steel H sections to support newer, heavier vessels, thanks to £78,375 from the government’s Fisheries and Seafood Scheme. Further upgrades are planned over the next three to five years, including the reattachment or replacement of ladders.

Improvements to Infrastructure

Improvements to drinking water points on Mary Williams Pier are ongoing, with standard push fittings being installed to create a watertight system. Maintenance of the lighthouse has also been completed, new bollards are being installed at the Fish Market and Ice Berth, and pontoon fixings are being repaired on a phased basis.

Bathymetric Survey and Future Plans

A recent bathymetric survey, part of Newlyn Harbour’s Port Marine Safety Code Duty, revealed no significant changes to the harbour’s depth over the past three years. The next survey is scheduled for 2027.

Welcoming the Atlantic Wolff

Newlyn Harbour has welcomed the arrival of Harland and Wolff’s fast ferry for the Isles of Scilly, the Atlantic Wolff. The ferry will berth overnight on South Pier during the summer season.

New Leadership at NP&HC

Paul Durkin, the new Chairman of NP&HC, expressed his commitment to continuing the work of his predecessor, Rob Wing. Paul aims to deliver sustainable prosperity for Newlyn Harbour through strategic thinking, investment, and collaboration with various stakeholders.

For more information about Newlyn Harbour and its ongoing projects, visit newlynharbour.com.

---

For more details about the government’s Town Deals Programme, visit gov.uk/government/collections/towns-fund.

For further information on the Penzance Town Fund, visit penzancetownfund.co.uk.

To learn more about the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, visit gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus.

For details on the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, visit gov.uk/guidance/fisheries-and-seafood-scheme#about-the-fisheries-and-seafood-scheme.