Penzance Harbourside

• Improving linkage between town and water front
• Strengthening the local economy
• Improving facilities for both the local community and visitors to Penzance
• Making the most of Penzance's seascape and heritage
• Developing Penzance as a ferry port/cruise liner destination
• Reducing traffic speeds and improving traffic movement through the town

Four key areas of the town were highlighted as main targets for regeneration - the South pier and a new marina, Market Jew Street and Wharf Road, Chapel Street and Quay Street, and the Western Promenade.

The largest part of the proposed project is the development of the harbour, to include a yacht marina and new berths for the Scillonian and Gry Maritha (the ferries to the Isles of Scilly). A new breakwater off-shore from the existing South Pier would be constructed to create a new marina. The Jubilee Pool would be retained and form the beginning of the new break-water which would run parallel with the existing South Pier. The new breakwater could terminate in an area featuring feature a Trinity House lighthouse and museum.

An area between the old and new piers could be filled-in creating space for a hotel, apartments and housing, while a new ferry terminal would be created at the head of the 'old' South Pier with car parking for up to 250 vehicles.

An area of harbour front cafes and housing along the waterside edge of the Wharfside/harbour car-park has also been considered along with re-shaping the harbour wall at this location.

Plans have also been prepared for improvements to the promenade in a form to resist the force of regular winter gale force winds and seas while retaining the traditional style of the area. Restoration of the beach and sand could be achieved by use of groynes or by the construction of off-shore reefs. The promenade itself could be made more attractive through street art, new street furniture and lighting.

The important role of Chapel Street as a link between the town and the harbour area has been included in the plans while suggestions have been made for the removal of traffic from Quay Street and the introduction of priority for pedestrians in other areas. For the town centre, it has been proposed that Albert Street be pedestrianised, and Market Jew Street be made one-way up hill - except for buses and taxis. It is hoped that this would assist in making unifying the town centre and harbour areas and make them more attractive to pedestrians.

Whilst many of the proposals and plans set out are not new, they are co-ordinated into a wider ‘package’ and, given the funding opportunities and a good level of public support across all groups of interest, there is a high level of confidence that this could actually go ahead and take Penzance firmly into the 21st Century.