Penzance Harbour’s £3.96-million transformation is set to start tomorrow (Monday, February 10) with demolition works commencing to clear the way for a new freight handling facility at West Quay and improved access and waiting areas created for commercial road vehicles.

To allow for the safe demolition of the ‘Boston Shed’ building on The Quay, a single lane closure allowing two-way traffic to pass in turn, will be place for up to two weeks from 10 February.

Road users are asked to allow extra time for their journeys. Penzance Harbour handles around 16,000 tonnes of freight to and from the Scilly Isles each year.

The West Quay Development, funded by the government’s Town Deal and Cornwall Council and designed with local stakeholders, will provide purpose-built facilities for HGVs so to alleviate congestion and pollution caused by the vehicles waiting on local roads.

The new facility at West Quay is just one component of investment to support the harbour’s 10 year plan to enhance the long-term economic sustainability of the area.

Other works at the harbour include new engineering workshops, a new pontoon to cater for growing demand from cruise ships and visiting crafts, a new boat lift crane, an eco-friendly marine wash bay facility, and enhanced public spaces to improve safety for walking and cycling routes.

Chris Jones, Penzance harbour master, said: “Penzance Harbour and its marine businesses are performing well but significant investment is difficult without outside help, so I wholeheartedly welcome this Town Deal funding. I ask people who travel around The Quay area to please be patient with us during these works.”

Martin Tucker, chair of the Penzance Town Deal Board, said: “Our harbour lies at the heart of the town’s economy, but the current infrastructure is limiting its growth. This first phase of works will deliver essential strengthening of the harbour’s freight operations and bring a welcomed improvement to The Quay area.”

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council Cabinet portfolio holder for economy, said: “It’s good to see works starting on this Town Deal investment, which will help sustain the significant and still growing maritime industry in the town, safeguarding and creating highly skilled roles.”

Penzance Harbour has received £2.96 million from the government’s Town Deal programme and £1-million from Cornwall Council.

Penzance Town Deal Board, in partnership with Cornwall Council, successfully bid for a Town Deal worth £21.5-million to support a range of projects that will contribute to the town’s regeneration and boost the local economy.

For more information about this and other Town Deal investment in Penzance, visit www.penzancetownfund.co.uk.