Newlyn Harbour Sets Out 2026 Plans and Updated Charges After 2025 Upgrades

A wide-ranging update on upgrades, future plans and changes to charges was shared at the December meeting of the Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners, setting out how the harbour has evolved during 2025 and what users can expect next year.

A Year of Repairs and Upgrades

An extensive programme of renewal took place across Newlyn Harbour during 2025. Work included restoring roofs on the net sheds and Newline Chandlery, replacing wooden fender piles with steel structures to reduce damage during berthing, and installing new mooring bollards on the Mary Williams Pier.

Further improvements covered repairs to the South Pier’s outer face, pothole repairs, painting of harbour properties and updates to lighting across the estate.

Complex issues around the harbour’s private potable water supply were also investigated and largely resolved, with a longer-term modernisation plan now underway.

New Faces and Future Expansion

The Commissioners welcomed three new Board Members, David Stevens, Paul Trebilcock and Becki Jarvis, along with Cornwall Council representatives Cllrs Jim McKenna and Thalia Marrington.

The signing of a Letter of Intent with Tower Group to move forward with the planned Sandy Cove development was highlighted as a key step towards expanding Newlyn Harbour to support the future fishing industry and the wider marine sector.

Fish Market Sees Growth in First Year of New Agreement

Landings at Newlyn Fish Market increased by both volume and value during the first year of the concession agreement with W Stevenson & Sons Limited as exclusive auctioneer.

Almost 3.9 million kilograms of fish were landed, with a total market value of £19.1 million.

Old Quay and Skills Centre Progress

Support continued for the restoration of the Old Quay, led by Nick Howell and a team of volunteers, with the aim of revitalising the historic heart of the harbour through renewed moorings and facilities for heritage and other vessels.

Seafood Cornwall Training was awarded the training contract for the new Marine Skills & Resource Centre following a competitive tender process. The centre is on track for completion in the first quarter of 2026 and is intended to provide a base for developing maritime skills in Cornwall.

Charges Approved for 2025 to 2026

The Schedule of Charges for 2025 to 2026 was approved and will be published and implemented in January. Some charges have been increased to move closer to cost neutral, while others have been removed to improve efficiency and customer service.

Harbour Master and CEO Jonathan Poynter said:
“For most harbour users, there have been no significant price increases for two to three years, during which time the Commissioners have not only absorbed cost-of-living and energy spikes, but also continued to invest in maintenance and upgrades whilst sustaining sufficient reserves to enable strategic developments.”

He added:
“However, following the Chancellor’s recent budget announcements, the rateable value of the Newlyn Harbour Estate is set to increase dramatically, our staff bill has increased through additional National Insurance contributions and energy and waste removal charges have continued to head upwards, all of which have led the Commissioners to sanction an uplift for the first time since 2022/2023.”

What Will Change

Water charges have been restructured to align with waste disposal fees, leading to a modest reduction for most users. Waste disposal will be monitored more closely to allow tighter access control and a fairer user-pays system.

Harbour dues will move to monthly billing to reflect seasonal patterns, meaning commercial fishing vessels will only pay for the time they are present in the harbour.

A Pollution Response charge will be introduced to cover the cost of oil spill response materials, staff time and third-party call-outs, applying the polluter pays principle.

Most parking charges at Newlyn Harbour and Sandy Cove will remain unchanged. Longer-stay permits will see modest increases, while skippers’ passes for car parks and the quayside will become free of charge.

Chair of the Commissioners Paul Durkin said:
“A marked effort has been made to keep the Schedule of Charges fair and relevant whilst supporting the future development needs of the Newlyn Harbour Estate.”

He added:
“By streamlining charges and simplifying processes, we can sustain our continual process of rejuvenation, strengthen our competitive position and modernise our offer. We fully recognise that all businesses will face significant economic challenges in 2026 but remain committed to our programme of investment and renewal for the benefit of all those who use Newlyn Harbour.”

Looking Ahead to 2026

Planned operational improvements for 2026 include further fender pile upgrades, additional repairs and protection works to market and ice berths, higher-capacity landing davits, property repairs, improved fuelling for larger vessels, health and safety improvements and better maintenance facilities for the inshore fleet.

Some larger projects will require external funding. Jonathan said:
“Some of these projects will be carried forward by NP&HC, but larger scale works will need grant support, and we will be looking to apply to the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund next year for our larger schemes, which includes a new pontoon facility on the North Pier.”

He added:
“Whilst grant funding is by no means guaranteed, it is imperative that NP&HC continue to seek solutions that deliver for our users and underpin the long-term future of the Port.”

Christmas Period Arrangements

Skeleton staffing will be in place from the close of play on Tuesday 23rd December until Friday 2nd January inclusive. As Newlyn Harbour operates 24 hours a day, the Harbour Office phone number 01736 362523 will always be answered.

The Harbour Office will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, with a duty officer available and regular patrols continuing.

Board meetings take place on the first Friday of alternate months.

More information about Newlyn Harbour can be found on the Newlyn Harbour website.

📷The first site visit to the Newlyn Marine Skills & Resource Centre - Credit: Laurence Hartwell/Through the Gaps