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Newlyn could lose one of its oldest museums - the Pilchard Works and
Museum at The Coombe, at least in its present form. For owner, Nick Howell
has applied to Penwith council for permission to convert the famous Pilchard
Works and Museum into 10 self contained flats.
However, Mr Howell said this week that converting the property was just
one of a number of options open to them, and they had three years in which
to decided what to do.
"It all depends really on what happens with the Newlyn regeneration
plans, which could see us moving from this site into the harbour area
and converting the current premises to flats.
"But nothing has been decided; we are just keeping our options open."
At the moment several premises in and around the Pilchard Works have
permission to convert to accommodation and Mr Howell thinks that more
could follow.
Mr Howell's options also depend on the future of the salt fish business
which is the lifeblood of the Museum. At the moment that is on the decline
whilst fresh fish production is on the increase.
The Pilchard Works is a working museum and Mr Howell said he could not
see the point of keeping the museum going if the salt fish side declined
too much.
"Things are very much dependant on the regeneration plans and how
quickly things get going," Mr Howell added.
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