Penzance Harbour’s £3.96M Investment Set To Begin Monday – How Will It Change the Town?

£3.96 Million Investment to Transform Freight Handling and Access

Penzance Harbour is set for a major transformation as work begins on a £3.96 million redevelopment of West Quay. Starting Monday, 10th February, demolition works will clear the way for a new freight handling facility, improved access, and better waiting areas for commercial road vehicles.

The project, funded through the government’s Town Deal and Cornwall Council, aims to modernise the harbour’s infrastructure to support the local maritime industry.

Road Disruptions Expected

As part of the work, the ‘Boston Shed’ building on The Quay will be demolished, requiring a single lane closure for up to two weeks from 10th February. Temporary two-way traffic controls will be in place, and road users are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

Supporting Freight and Reducing Congestion

Penzance Harbour handles around 16,000 tonnes of freight to and from the Isles of Scilly each year. The new freight handling facility at West Quay is expected to ease congestion and pollution caused by HGVs waiting on local roads.

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, highlighted the importance of these upgrades:

“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.”

More Upgrades on the Horizon

The improvements at West Quay are part of a larger 10-year plan to ensure the long-term economic sustainability of Penzance Harbour. Other planned upgrades include:

• New engineering workshops
• A new pontoon to cater for cruise ships and visiting crafts
• A boat lift crane
• An eco-friendly marine wash bay
• Improved public spaces with safer walking and cycling routes

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economy, welcomed the progress, stating:

“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.”

£21.5 Million Boost for Penzance

The Penzance Harbour project is part of a wider £21.5 million Town Deal secured by the Penzance Town Deal Board in partnership with Cornwall Council. The investment supports multiple regeneration projects aimed at strengthening the local economy.

For more details on the Town Deal and its impact on Penzance, visit www.penzancetownfund.co.uk.