Slipway Upgrade

After discussion, it was agreed with Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commissioners and the fund holders that the most appropriate way to proceed would be to upgrade the existing slip. This will ensure that the fishing vessels will be able to be slipped in a timely manner with minimum loss of fishing time and also maintain Newlyn’s important status as a Port of Refuge. All funding is in place and contracts and tenders are being agreed. It is anticipated that the slipway upgrade will be complete by June 2004. Externally, there will be no visual difference to the existing slip. All improvements will be mechanical and of an engineering nature.

Dr Geoffrey O’ Donahue is in the process of assembling a committee that will see the formation of a group of like-minded people interested in boating and yachting. The Marina Phase I is part of the study currently being carried out by Hyder to assess the viability of this important project within the overall strategy. Future discussions with the Harbour Commissioners and this newly formed group will hopefully ensure a working partnership to bring this project to fruition.

In partnership with South West Pesca, we have been successful in obtaining grant funding for this important project and it is anticipated that the two derricks will be operational before the end of February at the harbour head, adjacent to the market. The main purpose of these shore-side derricks is to facilitate the landing of the handline fleet.

The upgrade of the existing market remains a high priority to ensure that the internationally renowned quality of Newlyn fish is maintained. To this end, there will be some fairly major additions to this market—essentially to maintain the chill chain and preserve the quality of the fish . The first thing that will be noticed is that all existing doors will be screened: this will be completed before the end of February. All improvements to the existing market will be readily transferable to the new market as indicated in the regeneration strategy to best utilise grant funding.

As reported in the last newsletter, the Sea Food Park is to be situated at Stable Hobba, subject to the necessary searches and consultation. This project is fairly well advanced and will provide a state of the art facility that will allow Newlyn to maximise the value-added element of its fisheries product. An active partnership has been developed between Penwith District Council, the Regional Development Agency and Newlyn Fish Merchants Association to take this vital project forward.

All the necessary consents and contracts are now in place for this important trial project to go ahead. It has been agreed with Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commissioners that the site for the trial will be at the inboard end of the Mary Williams Pier. It is anticipated that this trial will commence before the end of February. Should you require further details of any aspect of this trial please call in to the office.

For the technical survey, please see enclosed report from Hyder Consultants which you will find on the following links : newlyn harbour | western promenade | penzance harbour. Other aspects of the technical survey that have been completed are a feasibility study of projects 1.1—1.26 inclusive, Project 2.8, Project 2.9, Project 4.5, Projects 5.1—5.6 inclusive.

This will be installed during February and will provide additional lighting and upgraded electrical supply to the North Pier.

February has the potential to be a very busy month within the harbour with upgrades and improvements taking place mostly around the market area. Your tolerance would be appreciated during any necessary disruptions

Hyder Consulting Ltd have been appointed by Penwith District Council to undertake Technical Investigations in Mounts Bay. The purpose of the investigations is to collate baseline information and data to enable a number of conceptual designs to be developed within the confines of Penzance Harbour, Newlyn Harbour and Penlee Quarry. The promenade adjoining Penzance and Newlyn Harbours is to be included in the scope of the contract.

The contract will build on work carried out previously. The aim of the contract is to deliver a study that presents accurate, coherent, sustainable, innovative and realistic schemes, backed by sound engineering judgement and appropriate investigations, to enable Penzance, Penlee and Newlyn to determine the viability of future developments.

The contract was commenced in October 2003 with a target of completing the set scope of work in November 2004.

The scope of work is given as the following general stages:

Initial Option Review
Maritime data Acquisition
Numerical Modelling
Environmental Impact Assessments
Costed Conceptual Designs
Application for Harbour Revision Orders (where applicable).

The current status of the contract has seen the completion of the Initial Option Review study. The intention of this review is to identify the background to the project or site; its constraints and drivers. Then to review and compare the previous options developed along with a number of new ones that have been proposed recently. The comparison is made on a technical and financial basis.

The output is intended to be a preferred outline solution for the site and an indication of the site and other technical investigations that will be required to deliver the preferred solution.

In parallel with this Option Review Study, Environmental Scoping Studies have been undertaken and submitted to the Environmental Agency for their comment. Following their response, any requirements for sampling, surveys or investigations will be incorporated into future site investigations.

An initial option review study for Penlee Quarry was not a requirement under the contract scope of work. A summary of the project drivers and proposed solutions determined for each site is shown in the following sections.