A multi-million pound regeneration of Penzance and Newlyn harbours has drawn a step closer with the appointment by Penwith Council of specialist consultants.

The council this week announced it has received £600,000 worth of funding, the majority from Objective 1. It will fund initial research work by Plymouth-based Hyder Consulting Ltd, the company which strengthened the Tamar Bridge and improved the sewerage scheme in Penzance.

Options for linking the flooded Penlee quarry to the sea at Newlyn to create a 190-berth Port Penlee marina will also be studied by the consultants.

Plans for the revamp include developing Penzance Harbour, improving sea links to the Isles of Scilly and carrying out major development works ensuring the future of Newlyn as the top fishing port in England and Wales. Sea defence work along Penzance Promenade will also be included.

The first visible signs will appear in the New Year when trawlers will be put to work gathering information in Mount's Bay.

They will be used to study wind, wave and tidal movements and sonar will enable rock formations to be plotted.

A jack-up rig will be positioned to carry out borehole work.

The privately-financed £57-million "five star" Port Penlee project is being backed by Penwith Council chairman Malcolm Pilcher. He says the scheme could be the catalyst for the future development of Newlyn, Penzance and the whole of Mount's Bay.

Port Penlee comprises a marina in the quarry basin, a luxury hotel, holiday villas and affordable houses.

A start on the Penzance and Newlyn technical investigations has been welcomed by Michael Galsworthy, chairman of the Newlyn Fish Industry Forum. "This is the first major concrete step in the overall regeneration strategy," he said.

Newlyn harbourmaster Andrew Munson said: "The Harbour Commissioners are delighted that, at long last, the vital importance of the port of Newlyn to the district of Penwith and the county of Cornwall has been recognised.

"The survey will enable the commissioners to formulate their proposals for the long-term benefit of the port, maintaining its position as the top fishing port in England and Wales, and ensuring continuation of employment for fishermen and associated workers."

Ian George, Hyder's project manager, said the company was delighted to be able to utilise its expertise in marine and economic development on such an important project for this part of Cornwall.

The appointment of consultants has been welcomed by Tony Jarman, Port Penlee's project team leader, who is the driving force behind the lengthy process of land acquisition.

"I am glad that progress now appears to be being made and look forward to the completion of the study and concept designs by late 2004," he said.

Nigel Horwell, Penzance regeneration manager, said: "Penwith Council is keen to stress that the Port Penlee investigations are being separately funded by MDL Developments. There is no funding from Penwith Council.

"Also, Mr Pilcher's comments reflect his own views and not those of Penwith Council."

He added: "There are significant cost savings to be gained by acquiring the maritime data for all these developments at the same time. Much of the data that will be acquired will be common to the developments. By working in partnership and pooling existing information we may also be able to make even further cost savings."

Edward Iliffe, of MDL Developments, said Penwith Council was to be congratulated for promoting a working partnership which would enable the various regeneration schemes in Mount's Bay to progress.

Article copyright THE CORNISHMAN