|
Regeneration plans in Newlyn are forging ahead with the proposed development of a new £6 million fish market. The aim is to help keep Newlyn as the top port in England and Wales, currently with an annual catch value of almost £20 million. Architects are likely to be selected within the next few weeks and the public will have the opportunity to consult on the design of the project at a public display.
It would replace a market that has been on its present site for about a century. The new one could be developed around the present lorry park and quayside.
Grading and traceability machines and large chill rooms, which have recently been installed at a cost of over £500,000, would be incorporated into the new design.
"It is vital that Newlyn keeps a focus on the future," says vice-chairman of the Harbour Commissioners, Douglas Williams. "Although there are always concerns about the direction of the fishing industry, hundreds of jobs and millions of pounds of local income depend on the decisions we are making."
The Chairman of the Newlyn Fish Industry Forum feels the regeneration efforts have genuine momentum.
"There is an exciting consensus amongst the main players about what needs to be done," says Michael Galsworthy. "There is great unity and optimism about the plans and we need to grasp the moment with both hands."
High-level backing for the regeneration efforts in Newlyn includes the Government Office South West.
The harbourmaster says that work is under way on a new pontoon mooring system for fishing boats under 15-metres long, costing £2 million.
"Things are going well with the dredging and the treatment of silt," says Andrew Munson. "The work is three weeks ahead of schedule, currently on the installation of the piles for the pontoons.
"The Commissioners have invested considerable sums of money over recent years in upgrading facilities, both on the market and in the harbour.
"These include the provision of landing davits, upgrading the North pier lighting, boat slipway improvements - £500,000 - the grading and traceability system - £380,000 - market chill rooms - £170,000".
Ahead for Newlyn lies the potential development of Sandy Cove together with the defensive rock armouring strengthening of the South pier and its extension to aid fishing boats entering and leaving harbour.
It is hoped the North and South piers will be heightened to face the prospect of higher tides and stronger tidal surges.
If the Marina at Penlee goes ahead Sandy Cove could prove a valuable asset for marine engineering and boat storage as well as for leisure interests.
Ruth Simpson, a member of the Newlyn Association and former Mayor, remarks: "It is essential that all the different groups in Newlyn work together to move things forward."
As chairman of the Forum's environment committee she adds: "Our group's purpose is to encourage people to take pride in the village and to look after it more - our slogan is to 'enhance and maintain'.
"The Forum is an important way of supporting local initiatives: we are not working in isolation, we need feedback and support from each other."
This view is shared by Revd Julyan Drew, the Methodist minister who is pioneering the Trinity Project at Paul Hill where building work is under way.
"Working together towards a shared vision brings results," he says. Work has begun on a £750,000 redevelopment of their schoolroom by Trinity Methodists. A new centre is being created to offer multi-purposes facilities for the whole community with improved access to three floors. "Trinity is pleased to be part of the drive to regenerate Newlyn and has been greatly supported by the Forum. We see it, as part of a bigger picture to enhance the community facility in Newlyn."
Revd. Drew, who is chair of the Forum's community and homes group, declares: "Good economics have to recognise community needs and I believe the Forum has taken community and environmental needs into account. I know that some people think they are not listened to, but that may simply be because different people come to different conclusions. The Forum is a group of people from disparate backgrounds looking towards a future for Newlyn - that future does not include standing still - Newlyn will not have a future if it does that."
The Forum was created four years ago to deliver a regeneration strategy for Newlyn, acceptable to the broad local community, which currently depends uniquely on the fishing industry for its economic survival.
It recognises the present vulnerability and deprivation of the community which has no economic hinterland beyond the fishing industry.
The overall policy calls for a significant broadening of the local economic base which, for the first time, will also bring a direct engagement with tourism.
These key facts underline Newlyn's need:
n Newlyn has a total population of 4,065 - a decline of 8% between 1991 and 1998.
n Penwith is the 25th most deprived district in England - out of 345 - and the South Ward, which covers Newlyn, is the 19th most deprived in Cornwall, out of 135.
n House prices in Newlyn have soared, there is pressure on affordable housing. There is a particular lack of social housing to meet the needs of younger families and older residents.
n There are around 1,200 jobs - the fishing industry employs at least 750.
n The unemployment rate in Penwith is 50% higher than the average for Cornwall - and average weekly earnings are 30% lower than the average for England and Wales.
Tony Woodhams Newlyn Fisheries Project Officer comments on the market proposals.
"It is intended to appoint an architect to develop the existing concept design and to prepare outline proposals for the new market building and the provision of 'fish merchants units' within the harbour area.
"The focus of the study will be to confirm the final size, location, layout and physical appearance of the structure; this will be determined within a pre-defined project budget. Issues that will be considered are: a balance of practical space and functionality to ensure that the building meets all industry standards, the highest quality in appearance in sympathy with the surrounding buildings and using the opportunity to incorporate public art into the scheme and encourages the involvement of the local community.
"The study will culminate in a design report, which will include plans, sketches and revised cost estimates. Consultation and a final public exhibition will form an essential element of this study. It is anticipated that the public exhibition will take place in early June 2006."
Mr Woodham adds: "Sandy Cove is currently being used as the reception arm for the silt from the harbour that is being extracted in support of the Pontoon system currently being installed.
"A detailed study has been carried out in the form of a business case and a concept design to establish what needs to be carried out it should provide a sustainable development that secures a reliable revenue stream for Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commissioners.
"It is anticipated that the area of Sandy Cove will support a mix of facilities ranging from engineering through to Scout Hut provision. As part of a broader scheme to develop Newlyn Harbour, the regeneration proposals will include improved facilities for boat maintenance and repair to service the fishing fleet of Newlyn and also leisure craft operating in Mount's Bay. It is also anticipated that the facilities will attract leisure and fishing vessels from the rest of the southwest of England.
The marina at Penlee Quarry being proposed by Marina Developments Ltd (MDL) will in itself generate a substantial demand for both maintenance and repair, and its proximity to Sandy Cove will provide a regular source of customers for the various engineering activities to be located in the new facilities."
Mr Woodhams explains that the proposed services and facilities to be provided at the Sandy Cove development are:
- Careening grid for boat maintenance.
- Launch slipway to service boat maintenance facility.
- Vertical lift boat hoist.
- Boat storage and parking area.
- Boat maintenance area.
- Industrial units for boat maintenance and related industries.
- Public launch slipway.
"Recreational facilities possibly will include a scout hall, water sports centre, visitors centre and cafe. All these require the storm protection measures to be put in place," he comments.
A leading personality in the fishing industry, Robert George, a former skipper and now a director of Seafood Cornwall says that quality will be the key to Newlyn's future.
"You have to accept that you have got a limited amount of product coming in - and we have to help it achieve its maximum value," he says.
The care with which fish is handled can have a big effect on how long it lasts, explains Mr George. The new chill units and grading equipment at Newlyn are all helping drive standards up.
Kevin Brownridge, chairman of the Newlyn Association, also feels that the regeneration plans are a good thing for the harbour.
"The new market is absolutely crucial in an increasingly global business. It is vital if we are going to retain a fishing industry," he says.
The Association seeks to simulate and facilitating debate about the future of the village.
"The Association wants to preserve the character of Newlyn - but we want it to be a place that flourishes in the 21st century . We want change that is linked to the past, is sympathetic to what has gone before."
article copyright © THE CORNISHMAN
 |
