Plans to transform Penzance Harbour and boost marine industry …

Residents, businesses and organisations in Penzance are being invited to view the plans for modernising and increasing the efficiency of the harbour.

Hosted by Cornwall Council’s Harbour team and Penzance Town Deal Board, a drop-in exhibition will take place between 1pm and 6pm on Thursday, January 18 at Penzance Sailing Club on Albert Pier, TR18 2LL.

During the exhibition there will be an opportunity to view the latest plans and meet the Harbour team and project partners.

The project is receiving £3million from the Government’s Town Deal Fund to kickstart the modernisation of the harbour and its operations as part of a 10 year management plan.

This investment, which needs to be spent by March 2026, will enable:

• The renovation and repurposing of the existing shed on West Quay to improve freight handling and access for road users between The Quay and Battery Road. This will mean heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) will no longer have to park on the main road, reducing traffic congestion and pollution in the area. 
• New engineering workshops for the engineering facility Penwith Marine Services (PMS), allowing an increase in their facilities including a larger and more stocked chandlery. Additional berth space will allow more flexibility between fish landings and engineering works for commercial and leisure vessels.
• A new fully accessible pontoon to cater for the growing demand from cruise ships and visiting crafts. Increased visitors by boat will boost the local economy and the harbour’s sustainability.
• New boat lift crane and an eco-friendly marine wash bay facility to improve options for local boat owners and visitors, as well as the commercial sector.
• Enhancement of the public spaces to improve safety of walking and cycling routes.
• Improvements of the harbour facilities.

Penzance Harbour offers 150 tidal moorings as well as a wet dock for leisure vessels and visiting yachts and is a gateway to the freight and passenger service to the Isles of Scilly. In the last year, Penzance Harbour has also seen the revival of local commercial fishing.

James Broughton, Penzance Harbourmaster, said:

“We are really pleased to be able to show how the Town Deal funding will help the harbour operations work more efficiently, sustainably, and improve accessibility. The Harbour’s real estate and infrastructure has been under pressure for quite some time, and changes need to take place as our commercial activities are growing in relation to fish landings and associated marine engineering.

The investment in our infrastructure will also enable us to address some issues that are impacting our town, such as road congestion and the risk of accidents on Quay Road. The Town Deal money will open new opportunities for the wider town by expanding our cruise market. The proposed new pontoon, for example, could accommodate up to 1,000 visitors per day. This will boost our local economy by increasing visitor numbers and income for our town.”

Martin Tucker, Chair of the Penzance Town Deal Board, said:

“The Town Deal funding is a vital investment that will transform the Penzance harbour into a modern and sustainable hub for the marine and engineering sectors. The upgrade of the harbour facilities will support a maritime sector which is on the up in Penzance and help create well-paid, highly-skilled permanent jobs. The Harbour team has been working closely with key stakeholders for over a year to develop plans that will future proof the marine sector and enhance its resilience.”

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy, said:

“The improvements planned for Penzance Harbour have been decades in the making and it’s because of the Town Deal funding that we can now make it a reality. It will have long-lasting and wide-ranging benefits for the town and I encourage all to come along to the exhibition to find out more.”

The project is receiving £3million from the Government’s Town Deal Fund and is one of seven regeneration projects being delivered as part of the £21.5 million Penzance Town Deal programme.

The Harbour is managed by Cornwall Harbours Board who have an agreement with Cornwall Council following a new Harbour Revision Order made in 2023.