Newlyn Harbour Plans Development and Investment Bids in March Update

£360m Funding Bid Could Transform Newlyn Harbour

Strategic plans to shape the future of Newlyn Harbour were at the centre of discussions during the March meeting of Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners.

The Commissioners are now preparing bids for major investment as part of the government’s new Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, which aims to support fishing businesses and coastal communities across the UK.

Plans to unlock space and growth

Chair Paul Durkin said the funding presents an opportunity to make better use of space within the Port of Newlyn over the next two to five years.

“With the announcement of the application process for the government’s new Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, which aims to enable fishing businesses and coastal communities from across the UK to benefit from £360m of investment, we are now preparing bids for projects that aim not only to increase but maximise the useable space within the Port of Newlyn during the next two to five years,” said Paul Durkin.

“Whether by increasing the number of pontoons within the harbour or reclaiming land from the wider estate, this is our opportunity to adapt to the needs of a modern fleet and fishing industry, and secure the future sustainability of Newlyn Harbour.”

The Commissioners are also working with Tower Group on a separate bid to The Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator, a £50 million fund aimed at supporting offshore wind projects.

Marine skills centre nearing completion

The Newlyn Marine Skills & Resource Centre is now close to completion, despite delays caused by wet winter weather.

Harbour Master and CEO Jonathan Poynter said the building is expected to be handed over in mid-April.

“Mid-April is the likely timeframe for the building to be handed over to us by the contractors, R M Developments, at which point, our tenants, Seafood Cornwall Training (SCT), and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs agencies, the Marine Management Organisation and Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, will fit-out their facilities and SCT will prepare to welcome its first trainees,” said Jonathan Poynter.

The centre has received £1.75 million from the government’s Town Deal programme. Members of the Penzance Town Deal Board and Cornwall Council have already been given an early preview ahead of its official opening later this summer.

Ongoing works across the harbour

A number of operational improvements are continuing across the harbour estate. These include the installation of new wooden fenders and repairs to the coping on the market quayside.

Fuel specialist Heltor is progressing plans to establish a fuel tank at the end of Mary Williams Pier, while work to modernise the water supply system is ongoing.

The recent landslip at Sandy Cove, caused by recent storms, is also being investigated.

Waiting lists for pontoon moorings are currently full and have been closed until further notice.

Changes to harbour activity

TMS Maritime has completed its one-off operation transporting aggregates and materials from South Pier. Kraken Marine Services will now take over routine cargo operations from Newlyn.

Meanwhile, restoration work at the Old Quay is nearing completion. The project aims to revitalise the historic area with improved moorings and facilities for heritage and other vessels. The work has been supported by funding from Historic England and carried out with help from Harbour Commissioner Nick Howell, volunteers and local contractors.

Fishing update and changing conditions

Jonathan Poynter also highlighted changing conditions at sea, including the impact of an ongoing octopus bloom.

“Whilst the continuing octopus bloom, brought about by unusually warm sea and air temperatures, has resulted in declining catch rates for brown crabs, European lobsters and king scallops, the prevalence of this new species in UK waters has provided an opportunity for the larger vessels in the fishing fleet to adapt,” he said.

“We welcome the annual return of the Scottish prawn fleet this month too.”

Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners hold board meetings on the first Friday of alternate months.

More information about the harbour can be found on the official website: https://newlynharbour.com

📷Newlyn Harbour at low tide - Image Credit Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners