Final choice of the "market to be" has already been made by the Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commissioners.

Together with a surrounding fishing complex, all is to be built at an estimated cost of under £7 million, and Newlyn may soon be on a par with neighbouring markets in Brittany.

Almost £19 million worth of fish was auctioned at Newlyn over a 12 month period from March 2006, and by the end of this week the first of three remaining official hurdles to cross for the port's regeneration scheme to proceed, is likely to have been crossed.

Having a new fish market will bring long awaited relief to Newlyn Harbour Commissioners, said Mr Woodhams: "I'm sure that the commissioners look toward the next decade where the port's new infrastructure should allow them to build on the existing and attract more lucrative business in future years.

"Several weeks ago the commissioners sought applications from companies or persons who wish to run the new fish auction, and already a couple of Newlyn firms and several big players in the UK fish marketing business have expressed an interest.

"A competitive tendering scheme will take place in the near future and whoever wins the contract will begin by running the existing market and transferring those skills to run the new market.

"In the next few days we should have the results of the RIBA D study from the architects. The commissioners will then move to the next stage to complete RIBA phases E and F and work to construct that model is already well underway.

"It includes matters like the amount of fish landed now, and a projection for forthcoming years, what vessels are here today, what vessels may leave, and what others may come in the near future. It also includes projections on the new fish market such as its volume of trading, traceability, fish grading, sorting and so on, in order to get the best returns from all fish landed."

He told how the new Newlyn Fish market must have "as close as possible a zero carbon footprint" and how special tiles will be used on the roofs of some buildings. The style, construction, and alignment of all buildings will also be considered.

All parties concerned in the future of Newlyn, effectively the largest employment-base in west Cornwall, have taken part in the planning. It is recognised throughout the Continent as a prime spot for landing fish and the attraction of other European boats figures high in the port's future economy.

Newlyn was one of four contenders in the recent Fishing News Best Port of the Year awards in London.

Vice chairman to Newlyn harbour commissioners Douglas Williamssaid: "It was rewarding to have been chosen, Harbourmaster and clerk to the Commissioners, Andrew Munson, Tony Woodhams and myself attended and the feeling of a proud future for Newlyn shone through."

Details of the new fishing complex can be seen on: www.newlyn.org

article copyright PHIL LOCKLEY for WESTERN MORNING NEWS