AMBITIOUS plans to create dozens of new jobs by developing a marina in Newlyn have been revealed.
The harbour commission has revived proposals for a large-scale development at Sandy Cove – a move that could attract millions of pounds in investment to the port.
It plans to work closely with MDL Marinas to create a boat maintenance yard at the little-used site just south of Newlyn. There are plans for boat storage, a chandlery and engineering works to support the fishing fleet, and strengthening works for the south pier.
Commissioners are currently in talks with the Cornwall Development Company, the economic development arm of Cornwall Council.
They plan to tap in to £2.5million in European funding for the scheme, which would bring a huge boost to the local economy.
If it gets the green light from planners, work could begin within two years on the massive scheme.
Edward Bolitho, who chairs the asset committee, said: "There is a great deal of work to be done but if the commission decides it wants to go ahead, the funds are there to do so."
Vice-chairman Juliet Taylor added: "We are exceptionally lucky to have a hugely successful and financially solid backer like MDL supporting the scheme.
"The project should only be a positive because it is not going to cost the harbour commissioners very much if we get grant funding. It would guarantee more jobs in Newlyn and help with the fishing industry."
Fellow commissioner Kevin Bennetts said the project was "the biggest opportunity in Mount's Bay".
"Instead of boats having to go far and wide to get repaired, it is all in Newlyn," he added.
The project would create 57 new jobs, including engineers and shipwrights. This would also be boosted by a commercial diving academy that has been proposed by a private operator.
A second phase of the development could include a new slipway, and a new scout hut for community use.
Edward Iliffe, director of MDL Marinas, told The Cornishman the firm had been keen, for a number of years, to operate a marina from Sandy Cove, which is jointly owned by his firm and the commission.
"We would like to see a boat maintenance yard somewhere in Mount's Bay and ideally, Newlyn is the best place for us," he said.
The company has a two-fold plan for the area: first, to develop a housing complex within the grounds of Penlee quarry; and secondly, to create a boatyard at the cove.
A joint venture for the residential part of the plan had been in the pipeline with private developers Castlemoor but since they ceased trading last year, MDL has been looking for a new partner.
It aims to team up with the harbour commission for the latter half of its scheme, creating a maintenance yard with a hoist to put boats onto land.
"We have a fully worked-up scheme and we have had for some time," said Mr Iliffe.
"We would be looking to facilitate the lifting and moving of boats, and to create some buildings for the businesses to look after the boats."
The company is also seeking funding from CDC on sea defence works before any development begins.
Though there is no timescale yet for the works, Newlyn's harbour commissioners have given assurances that they are well within the deadline for EU Convergence funding, which has to be committed by 2013 and would provide half the funds for the first stage.
Work on the scheme would have to be completed by 2015.
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