Newlyn Harbour Update: Board Changes, New Training Centre and Old Quay Complete

Newlyn Harbour has a new look at the top table, a brand new training centre ready to open its doors, and a finished restoration of one of its most historic corners. The May meeting of the Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners covered all of it, along with hints of what’s coming next for the port.

A changing of the guard

Cllr Luke Rogers, who represents St Ives East, Lelant and Carbis Bay on Cornwall Council, has been appointed to the Board of Commissioners. Luke, who also chairs the Cornwall Harbours Board, takes over from Cllr Thalia Marrington, who has stepped down due to other commitments.

Newlyn Harbour operates as a trust port and Statutory Harbour Authority under its own legislation, The Newlyn Pier and Harbour Orders 1906 to 2010. Two of its Commissioners are appointed by Cornwall Council. Thalia was confirmed in that role in July 2025 alongside Cllr Jim McKenna, who continues on the Board.

There is also a new face in the wider Commissioner ranks. Marine biologist and commercial fisheries consultant Becki Jarvis, who had been serving a one-year fixed term, has been reappointed for a three-year term as a full-time Commissioner. She replaces Neil Brockman, who has stepped down after years of service across both short-term appointments and a full term.

Chair of the Commissioners Paul Durkin paid tribute to those leaving. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Cllr Marrington and Neil Brockman for their participation and contribution to the governance of the Newlyn Harbour Estate,” Paul said.

He had particularly warm words for Neil. “A prominent character in our community as an experienced fisherman and skipper, and courageous RNLI coxswain for almost three decades, Neil has served with distinction for many years and we pay tribute to his selfless dedication. We look forward to working with Cllr Rogers, Becki and our existing team of Commissioners to drive our strategic ambition and secure a sustainable future for the Port of Newlyn.”

A new training centre ready to open

The Newlyn Marine Skills & Resource Centre has now been formally handed over by contractors R M Developments. The building will house Seafood Cornwall Training along with two Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs agencies, the Marine Management Organisation and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science.

Harbour Master and CEO Jonathan Poynter said tenants would be moving in shortly. “Our tenants, Seafood Cornwall Training and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs agencies, the Marine Management Organisation and Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, will be moving in very soon and an official opening ceremony is being planned for later this summer,” he said. “We are also in discussion with Newlyn Community Flora Group about a planting scheme to provide a welcoming entrance.”

The centre is intended to act as a hub for developing maritime expertise across Cornwall.

Old Quay restoration complete

Work to restore the Old Quay is also finished, bringing renewed moorings and facilities for heritage and other vessels back to the historic heart of Newlyn. The project was funded by Historic England, with Commissioner Nick Howell credited as the driving force behind it.

The next big ambition is to expand the pontoons. Jonathan confirmed the Board is working with its strategic sub-group on a funding bid aimed at increasing the number of pontoons at the North Pier, with the goal of squeezing more useable space out of the harbour.

Smaller upgrades around the port

A few less headline-grabbing improvements have also been completed. St Ives-based Symons Construction has added steps and a handrail to improve pedestrian access in the Newlyn Harbour car park. An electricity point has been installed at Canners’ Slip, giving the inshore fleet somewhere to plug in when carrying out repairs.

On the ongoing roadworks in the village, Jonathan said the disruption is easing. “The ongoing roadworks in Newlyn continue to cause some disruption but they are being very well-managed by Cormac and complaints are much diminished,” he said.

He also had a word for anyone heading down to the harbour. “Newlyn Fish Market is extremely busy and whilst Newlyn Harbour is an open site, we would like to respectfully remind visitors and harbour users to adhere to access restrictions, be mindful of their surroundings and take care of their personal safety, given that it is an industrial port with many potential hazards.”

Board meetings take place on the first Friday of alternate months. More information is available at newlynharbour.com.

📷Becki Jarvis who has been reappointed to serve for a three-year term as a full-time Commissioner