Following the monthly Board Meeting of Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners (NP&HC), here is an update on the latest developments at the Port.

Commissioners have met with George Eustice MP, in his capacity as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), to discuss potential funding options, which could deliver investment within the Port.

NP&HC are pleased to share that its plans to establish a Newlyn Marine Skills & Resource Centre continue to progress.

Newlyn and Penzance have been selected to bid for up to £25m through the UK Government’s Town Deals Fund, as part of its Levelling Up agenda, to support the regeneration of both towns, and the Newlyn Marine Skills & Resource Centre forms part of that bid with match funding from NP&HC to facilitate it.

NP&HC cannot overstate the value of this Resource Centre to Newlyn’s future prosperity and appreciate the support it has received from the fishing industry and local stakeholders at recent public engagement events.

The Commissioners now eagerly await feedback from Cornwall Council regarding the business case that has been submitted to unlock the Town Deals Fund with the sincere hope that the Resource Centre can be progressed as soon as possible.

In addition, NP&HC are also focusing on how to secure investment from DEFRA through the Government’s UK Seafood Fund.

This is a £100m fund, delivered over three years, to support the long-term future and sustainability of the UK fisheries and seafood sector.

In other news, the historic Old Quay in Newlyn is to be utilised by Hope Ships, the sailing charity that helps to rehabilitate ex-servicemen and women who have suffered injury or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

NP&HC would like to clarify the changes to car parking arrangements at the Port, which were announced last month.

The Commissioners are no longer able to offer annual permits to holiday cottages and Air B&Bs for use in its car park at the centre of Newlyn as this will now be a dedicated resource for harbour users and regulated by an ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) camera. Visitors to Newlyn are asked to park at nearby Sandy Cove instead, where tickets can be purchased via the Zapp parking app.

Also, as a result of the recent installation of barriers at the head of the quay, those requiring access are asked to buzz the Harbour Office via the barrier keypad to gain entry and do not need to obtain a pass.

The Commissioners note that several artists in the Newlyn area are opening their studios to the public during the ever-popular Open Studios Cornwall event, which runs from Saturday 28^th May to Sunday 5^th June, and hope that residents and visitors alike will take up the opportunity to discover, discuss and purchase their work.

“We are very proud of the artistic legacy created by the Newlyn School in the 19^th century and the strong bond that exists between the art and fishing communities here,” explains Chairman of NP&HC, Rob Wing. “This relationship continues to flourish with our recent commissioning of artwork to adorn the exterior of Newlyn Fish Market by Henrietta Graham, who won first prize in the Society of Marine Artists’ annual exhibition in London in 2021.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our entire team for continually implementing upgrades and maintaining the Harbour Estate. Staff members are working tirelessly across the board to provide a safe haven at Newlyn Harbour to ensure that it remains relevant and fit for purpose.”