Southampton-based MDL Developments Ltd - the UK's largest marine operators - have now acquired 100 acres of largely brownfield land at the quarry and have 'christened' the ambitious £57-million project, Port Penlee. Initial plans for the site include a marina in the quarry basin, a luxury hotel with additional holiday villas plus residential properties. Subject to local views, Port Penlee is considering commercial development - retail, restaurants etc visitor attractions and facilities and public car-parking provision.

News that the scheme is moving forward follows a four-year land assembly and acquisition process started by local man, Tony Jarman whose dream to create a marina at the quarry site was fuelled by a pleasure flight over the West Cornwall coastline some 14 years ago.

Edward Iliffe, MDL's director said this week: "We see this as a unique location for a marina and an ideal opportunity for us to invest in Cornwall. We have been in informal discussion with local partners for a number of years now, and look forward to working alongside Penwith District Council in order to maximise the benefits to the eventual users of the site and the community in general."

Several years ago Tony Jarman initiated a 'first-principles' feasibility study, instigated the land assembly process and explored potential project partners.

In 1999 he approached MDL and they agreed to take on the project.

"I always knew that the idea was a winner, but now that the land has been bought, I feel we are a step closer to making the dream a reality," said Mr Jarman.

He added: "It has been a long process to date and there is still a lot more work to be done, but I believe we are now on our way to realising this major project for West Cornwall." He has paid tribute to previous owners, Hanson and Charter for releasing the quarry "for the benefit of West Cornwall."

De Facto Project Management of Falmouth who carried out the initial feasibility work, has stayed in touch with the project since the start.

De Facto's managing director, Ingrid Heseltine said: "We have been on board with this project for over five years" and recalled her "tangible excitement" at hearing what could be done with the quarry which, she says, is in a stunning and exceptional location.

She added: "Now that the property deal has been done we can finally get on with talking to the community about how they feel, developing the detail of the proposals and delivering something great for West Cornwall which will sit well with the proposals for Newlyn."

The cost of the project has been estimated at £57 million and will be primarily funded by private sector capital with assistance being sought from the public sector towards infrastructure costs such as a new bridge above the entrance channel to the marina and a perimeter road around the basin.

The project team stress that plans for the eventual mix of uses of the site are in their infancy, and will not be confirmed until after an extensive consultation process with the community, businesses and community groups.

Charlotte Hill, head of regeneration, tourism & leisure at Penwith Council said: "Initial discussions have taken place and a meeting with statutory consultees relating to the planning and highway elements of the proposals will be the next stop."

She added: "It is important for us to ensure that proposals are complementary to the Newlyn Fish Industry Forum Strategy for Newlyn and that economies of scale are achieved. We look forward to continuing our discussions with MDL and their project team."

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