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| For every one fisherman at sea there are 15 jobs ashore in support.. |
Newlyn Harbour, a vital artery for Cornwall’s fishing industry and a cornerstone of the local community, has been a hive of activity, as highlighted by the latest update from Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners (NP&HC). From new appointments to significant infrastructure developments and ongoing maintenance, the port is clearly focused on its continued prosperity and enhancing its services for all users.
New Faces Join the Board
Following recent local authority elections, two new Cornwall Council representatives have joined the NP&HC Board. Councillor Jim McKenna, Cornwall Councillor for Penzance Promenade ward and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships, and Councillor Thalia Marrington, Cornwall Councillor for Mousehole, Newlyn & St Buryan ward and Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Public Health, have taken up their posts. Their appointments underscore the close relationship between the harbour and the wider community, ensuring strong local representation in its governance.
Paul Durkin, Chair of NP&HC, extended a warm welcome to the new appointees, stating, "On behalf of the Board, I welcome Cllr McKenna and Cllr Marrington as the Cornwall Council appointees to our Board of Harbour Commissioners and look forward to continuing to work with them to secure the prosperity of the Newlyn Harbour Estate for the Cornish fishing fleet and our wider community."
After sterling work and much appreciated contributions the board also said goodbye to commissioners Peter Shannon, Pete Perry and, after many years service, ex-fisherman Robert George.
Exciting progress is being made on the Newlyn Marine Skills & Resource Centre. The groundwork for the facility is now complete, and the steel frame has been constructed, providing a clear visual of the future hub for marine education and training. This project, which has received £1.75 million from the government’s Town Deal programme, is a key part of the £21.5 million Penzance Town Deal aimed at regenerating the area and boosting the local economy.
Jonathan Poynter, Newlyn Harbour Master & CEO, shared an important update on the centre’s next steps: "We will be inviting expressions of interest from education/training providers in August to share occupancy of the building in early 2026. Details will be published on our website soon." This upcoming call for providers marks a significant step towards the centre fulfilling its mission of nurturing future talent within the marine sector.
A comprehensive summer programme of routine maintenance is well underway across Newlyn Harbour. On the Mary Williams Pier, 24 new mooring bollards have been installed, enhancing safety and capacity for vessels, and essential coping stone repairs have been completed. Furthermore, twelve fender piles – crucial vertical posts that buffer boats from piers – are in the process of being installed, alongside six new floating timber fenders, all designed to protect vessels and infrastructure during berthing.
Restoration work continues at the historic Old Harbour, a project vital for safeguarding Newlyn’s rich maritime heritage. Quotes are currently being sought for repairs to the outer wall of the South Pier, following a recent assessment of its gradual deterioration. The Old Harbour, more often referred to locally as the Old Quay, has served as the heart of Newlyn for centuries, and bringing it back into use, particularly as a base for local and visiting luggers, aims to breathe new life into this significant area. Keep up to date with the latest images from the Old Quay on newlynoldharbour.co.uk
Addressing Services for Harbour Users
For the majority of harbour users, the issues with the private potable water supply have been resolved, a welcome relief after a prolonged period of disruption. Those still affected have been notified, and alternative provisions are in place. Jonathan Poynter acknowledged the impact on users, stating, "We are sorry that this has impacted users of Newlyn Harbour for such a long period of time, and we are pleased that a more normal level of service has now resumed. There are outstanding issues to resolve, which have highlighted a long-term risk that we are seeking to address, and we will provide further updates in due course."
Recent changes to waste management services, implemented to comply with regulatory requirements and address escalating costs, have been positively received. These changes include the locking of bulk waste receptacles, a reduction in large wheelie bins, and a new requirement for vessels to provide advance notification of their waste needs before berthing. Early indications suggest these measures are effectively reducing careless use and fly-tipping, contributing to a cleaner and more efficient harbour environment.
Looking Ahead: Sardine Season and Beyond
With the Scottish prawn fleet having recently departed north, the harbour is now preparing for the highly anticipated sardine season. Jonathan Poynter reinforced the harbour’s core commitment, remarking, "The fishing community is at the heart of everything we do and we are committed to supporting them in every way possible." This sentiment underscores Newlyn Harbour’s enduring dedication to its primary role as a key hub for the Cornish fishing industry.
The NP&HC Board meetings are held bi-monthly on the first Friday of alternate months, ensuring regular oversight and strategic direction for the harbour’s ongoing development and operations. Advisory Board meetings, to which the public are welcome to attend are held the Friday following. For further information, visitors are encouraged to explore newlynharbour.com.