Penzance Harbour Completes First Stage of £3.96m Transformation Plan

Penzance Harbour has reached a significant milestone with the completion of the first phase of its £3.96 million transformation plan.

The work forms part of a wider 10 year plan aimed at improving the harbour’s long term economic sustainability through modernised facilities and operations.

First Phase Completed at West Quay

The initial phase focused on resurfacing the former Boston Shed area on West Quay. This is the first in a series of improvements designed to support harbour operations and future development.

Once fully complete, the West Quay scheme will provide a new freight handling facility alongside improved access and waiting areas for commercial road vehicles. This is expected to remove the need for heavy goods vehicles to park on the main road, helping to reduce congestion and pollution in the area.

The project is funded by £2.96 million from the government’s Town Deal programme and £1 million from Cornwall Council. Work will continue in and around the harbour over the coming months.

Demolition Work Due to Begin

Following the resurfacing, clearing work at the south end of the Quay is scheduled to start on 12th January. This will include the demolition of several redundant buildings, including the former Waterside Meadery, to create additional space for future development.

The start of this phase was later than originally planned due to delays in arranging service disconnections with utility companies.

Importance of the Harbour to Penzance

Martin Tucker, Chair of the Penzance Town Deal Board, said:
“It is great to see the completion of the first phase of this much needed transformation plan. Penzance Harbour is vital to the future growth of the local economy and I am very proud of the role of the Town Deal project in providing funding to upgrade its facilities to create a modern and sustainable hub for the marine and engineering sectors.

“I am looking forward to seeing work begin on the next phase of the plan”.

Penzance Harbour handles around 16,000 tonnes of freight to and from the Isles of Scilly each year. Between March and November it also serves as the mainland terminal for the Scillonian III passenger service, which carries around 120,000 passengers annually.

The harbour supports local and visiting recreational craft and is used by a fleet of beam trawlers operating from the wet dock. It is also home to Penzance Dry Dock, which has received £2.67 million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, supporting a £4 million investment to modernise the facility.

What’s Planned Next

Second phase plans within the Harbour Management Plan include new engineering workshops, a new pontoon to meet growing demand from cruise ships and visiting craft, a new boat lift crane, an eco friendly marine wash bay and enhanced public spaces.

These improvements are intended to support local marine and engineering businesses, improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and create a more attractive harbour environment.

Work is also progressing on plans for the Rank Building on the North Arm, being developed with Cornwall Council, the Town Deal Board, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company and Penwith Marine Services.

The refurbished building will include new engineering workshops, a chandlery shop, improved welfare facilities for harbour users, and toilets, showers and a laundry facility. Work is currently expected to begin in April 2026 and finish by the end of November.

A Busy Time on the Water

Maritime Manager Chris Jones said:
“The last few months have been an extremely busy time for Penzance Harbour. As well as the resurfacing works on the Quay and managing fish landings, we have welcomed a high number of visiting vessels. These have included the superyacht Akula and the Spanish ‘Galeon Andalucia’ during the Golowan festival week.

“The next few months will see significant progress being made on delivering the next phase of our transformation plan and we would like to thank all our partners and the local community for their support as we secure the long term future of the harbour and the town.”

Additional works planned for 2026 include the start of highways improvements at Coinagehall Street.

Wider Town Deal Investment

Penzance Town Deal Board and Cornwall Council successfully secured a £21.5 million Town Deal to support a range of regeneration projects aimed at boosting the local economy.

More information on Town Deal investment in Penzance can be found at penzancetownfund.co.uk