What’s Next for Newlyn Harbour? Key Updates Revealed in Spring Statement

Published On: 3 April 2025Last Updated: 3 April 2025By CornishStuff

As the warmer weather returns to Cornwall, Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners (NP&HC) have shared a detailed spring update outlining progress on a range of projects, plans for future development, and the latest operational news from the harbour.

Scottish Prawn Fleet Returns

The shift in seasons has brought the Scottish prawn fleet back to the South West’s rich fishing grounds, a welcome sign for Newlyn Harbour as activity begins to pick up with the improving weather.

Board Member Recruitment Underway

NP&HC recently launched a recruitment process to appoint three new Commissioners to its Board. The application stage has attracted a strong pool of candidates, with shortlisting now complete. Interviews are set to take place this month.

Chairman Paul Durkin said: “We look forward to appointing and welcoming our three new Commissioners to the Board, and to further developing and implementing our strategy to secure Newlyn’s future for the next generation and beyond.”

Marine Skills Centre Build Begins

Construction is now underway on the Newlyn Marine Skills & Resource Centre, located on The Strand. Led by R M Developments and managed by Ward Williams, the project is being delivered in partnership with architects Poynton Bradbury. The centre is designed to become a hub for maritime expertise in Cornwall, and is expected to be completed by 2026.

Development Vision Presented to Investors

To support long-term development plans for Newlyn Harbour and Sandy Cove, NP&HC recently received a scoping study prepared by WSP Limited. Chairman Paul Durkin and Newlyn Harbour Master and CEO Jonathan Poynter will present the study at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds this May. The event, attended in collaboration with Cornwall Council, will help gauge investor interest in the harbour’s future.

Engaging with the Industry

NP&HC have continued engaging with key figures in the industry, including a recent presentation by Chris Ranford from the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation (CFPO) on the future of local fisheries.

Representatives from NP&HC also took part in the British Ports Association’s Small Ports Conference in Cowes, and its Fishing Ports group meeting in Grimsby. These events enable Newlyn to collaborate and exchange knowledge with other specialist ports of similar scale.

Harbour Maintenance & Improvements

The dry weather has allowed maintenance work at the harbour to progress. Recent improvements include a new roof on Newline Chandlery, clearing of roofs and gutters, and cleaning and painting of various buildings and metalwork.

The programme to replace old wooden fender piles with steel alternatives is continuing. A new batch of wooden fenders and mooring bollards has been ordered, with installation planned over the next three to six months.

Harbour users are reminded that there will be no increase to charges for at least the next three months.

“As usual, we encourage Newlyn Harbour users to report any maintenance issues to the Harbour Office so that we can investigate and add them to our ongoing programme of upgrades and repairs,” said Jonathan Poynter.

Revitalising the Old Quay

Work is also continuing on restoring the Old Quay, led by Nick Howell and a team of volunteers. New ladders and ironwork are currently being made and installed. The project aims to rejuvenate the historic part of Newlyn Harbour with improved moorings and facilities for heritage vessels.

Water Supply Issues Ongoing

There are still ongoing problems with the harbour’s private potable water supply. While it remains safe for technical uses such as vessel washdown, ice-making and fish processing, users are advised to collect drinking water from the hydrant at the ice berth.

Jonathan continues to work with specialists to identify which elements of the infrastructure need replacing. Updates will be posted on the Newlyn Harbour website and via social media.