AS 2024 draws to a close, Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners (NP&HC) reflect on another busy year at the Port.

To progress their long-term ambitions to develop Newlyn Harbour and Sandy Cove for the benefit of local stakeholders, NP&HC look forward to the imminent arrival of WSP Limited’s technical report.

This development project has received £100,000 from the government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the aim of enabling people to access opportunity in their communities. The results of the report will help to inform the planning of short- to medium-term projects to support the delivery of the Commissioners’ broader aim.

Preliminary works are currently taking place in The Strand to prepare the site of the Newlyn Marine Skills & Resource Centre for the contractors so that groundworks can commence. This has included the removal of portable buildings and will include the moving of power lines by the National Grid and the clearance of vegetation. It is expected that the construction of this much-needed centre of excellence for developing maritime expertise in Cornwall will commence in the first quarter of 2025 and be completed in 2026.

This project has received £1.75-million from the government’s Town Deal programme. 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 regeneration of Penzance and Newlyn, and boost the local economy. As the lead authority for Cornwall Town Deals, Cornwall Council supports the governance role of the Penzance Town Deal Board and administrates the fund.

The restoration of the Old Quay at Newlyn, which has involved replacing corroded ladders and mooring rings with wrought iron, is expected to be completed by March.

The aim of this project, which is being led by the West Cornwall Lugger Industry Trust Ltd, in collaboration with the Cornwall Maritime Trust, the Mounts Bay Lugger Association, the Newlyn Association and Newlyn Archive, and jointly funded by NP&HC and Penzance Town Council, is to breathe new life into this historic heart of Newlyn Harbour to create a base for local and visiting luggers, and celebrate the Port’s rich maritime identity.

As part of NP&HC’s programme to continually improve the Newlyn Harbour estate, the roof of the net sheds has been replaced, space has been allocated for up to 20 new moorings for the under 8m fishing fleet to reflect demand, and continuing maintenance work is being undertaken on potholes and lighting.

Issues with potable water at Newlyn Harbour are ongoing and although the existing supply can still be used for technical purposes, a temporary source of drinking water is available from the Cornish Ice Company on Mary Williams Pier.

A localised fault has been identified at Newlyn Harbour but a root and branch review must take place in order to future-proof the water supply before it can be retested by Cornwall Council. Further updates on this will be provided via the Newlyn Harbour website and social media channels.

NP&HC’s Chairman, Paul Durkin, said: “To round off another eventful year, it was our absolute pleasure to support the brilliant Newlyn Harbour Lights team and welcome Father Christmas to our historic port earlier this month, in spite of Storm Darragh’s best efforts to scupper us,”

“On behalf of my fellow Commissioners, I would like to thank Newlyn Harbour Master & CEO, Jonathan Poynter and his staff for all their hard work throughout the year and send our warmest season’s greetings to all our customers and everyone in our local community.”

NP&HC Board meetings now take place on a bi-monthly basis on the first Friday of each month.

For further information about Newlyn Harbour, visit newlynharbour.com