Big Changes Ahead for Newlyn Harbour: Major Plans Unveiled for Sandy Cove and Beyond

A Strategic Step Forward for Newlyn

Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners have announced a major move towards the long-term development of Sandy Cove and a planned programme of infrastructure improvements designed to enhance Newlyn Harbour for the future of the fishing industry.

A Letter of Intent has been signed with Tower Group to progress the Sandy Cove development to a stage where significant investment can be leveraged to make it a reality.

Tower Group supports net zero projects by delivering infrastructure for the energy transition, including offshore wind turbines, renewable energy storage solutions and the use of green hydrogen and low-carbon fuels. The company also plays a key role in unlocking the investment needed to bring such projects to life.

“With well-established roots in the South West and a thorough understanding of the economic challenges and opportunities for Newlyn and for Cornwall, Tower Group is uniquely placed to drive forward the Harbour Commissioners’ ambitious plans for Sandy Cove,” said Newlyn Harbour Master & CEO, Jonathan Poynter.

“This Letter of Intent is a prelude to forming a Joint Venture or Special Purpose Vehicle to develop the Sandy Cove project so that we can expand the Harbour for the future fishing industry, provide more space for larger, modern fishing boats as well as storage on an industrial scale, and then diversify and improve the Port for a broader range of operations.”

Partnership to Drive Investment

CEO of Tower Group, Alex King, added: “With the Tower Group team’s expertise in securing investment, developing real estate and strategic, long-term thinking, alongside the company’s network of contacts in the defence and renewables sectors, we are delighted to partner with Newlyn Harbour for this process of renewal.

“We were impressed by the Harbour Commissioners’ bold ideas when their plans for Sandy Cove were presented at the UKREiiF conference – a forum that unlocks investment and drives regeneration across the UK to accelerate economic growth – and we are now in lockstep to deliver this for Newlyn, for Cornwall and for the UK’s strategic energy ambitions.”

This collaboration will also allow the Harbour Commissioners to concentrate on improving infrastructure for existing harbour users, with plans to modernise the private water supply, enhance fuelling capabilities, increase pedestrian safety and improve maintenance facilities for the inshore fleet over the next two to three years.

Marine Skills Centre Nears Completion

Construction of the Newlyn Marine Skills & Resource Centre on The Strand continues at pace and is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2026. The building is already out of the ground and almost weather-tight, with the first-floor stonework nearing completion.

Following a competitive tender process, Seafood Cornwall Training has been awarded the contract to provide training at the new centre.

“Seafood Cornwall Training offers a huge range of qualifications and courses for new fishermen as well as experienced seafarers, and delivers training to hundreds of commercial crew and employees in the maritime industry, from mandatory safety to professional development,” said Training Manager, Clare Leverton. “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to do so in this dedicated new facility at the heart of Newlyn and are already planning to receive the first cohort of students next year.”

Restoring Newlyn’s Old Harbour

The historic Newlyn Old Harbour restoration project has received a £199,301 grant from the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund by Historic England.

Work has already begun on repairing and re-setting the stonework at the Grade II* listed medieval harbour. The re-stapling of capping stones and re-positioning of quoins on the edge of the Old Quay have been completed, while the next phase, now out to tender, involves laying new stone sets (re-purposing granite from Liverpool Docks) and re-pointing the parapet using lime mortar in accordance with Historic England’s guidance.

Chairman of the Harbour Commissioners, Paul Durkin, said: “The Harbour Commissioners are also preparing schemes for future grant funding for two medium-term capital projects to extend capacity at Newlyn Harbour through the substantial modification of the existing pontoon facility and the addition of further pontoons elsewhere in the Harbour, providing improved berthing and level access, and perhaps, some dredging.”

Representing Cornwall’s Fishing Future

Jonathan Poynter has recently represented Newlyn at the British Ports Association Conference on the banks of the River Humber and at the BPA’s Fishing Ports Group meeting in Fraserburgh, Scotland.

“Participation in such events is critical to maintaining the profile of NP&HC amongst our peers and regulators,” he said. “Both occasions provided useful insight and understanding of the issues affecting the wider ports industry, as well as meaningful connections with individuals who represent the industry at regional and national levels, and the agencies and ministries we interact with.”

With the Mediterranean octopus bloom ongoing and plenty of Bluefin tuna still being landed at Newlyn Fish Market alongside the usual catch of Cornish fish, the sardine season is also in full swing.

The Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners Board meets on the first Friday of alternate months.

For more information about Newlyn Harbour, visit www.newlynharbour.com

📷Newlyn Marine Skills & Resource Centre - Photo Credit: Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners