Penzance Town & Harbour Regeneration

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Development manager appointed for Penzance

Penzance now has a 'development manager' with the job of helping secure millions of pounds worth of investment in the town centre and harbour.

Penzance, Penwith and County Councils have jointly funded a three year contract for Mr Nigel Horwell to oversee the W S Atkins report, which outlines future developments in the town. It includes plans for an integrated transport terminal a marina and improved facilities for the Isles of Scilly ferry.

Mr Horwell, a project management specialist seconded from the County Council, has taken up his post based at Penwith Council's offices in Penzance. It is likely his first priority will be the Penzance transport terminal followed by technical work on the harbour redevelopment. A detailed timetable for the whole project is also expected in the coming weeks.

Penzance Mayor Mike Cotton said of the appointment: "It's very positive. It is crucial to have somebody to push these projects forward because the opportunity must not be missed. There probably won't be another chance like this it will be the biggest move forward for Penzance since Victorian times."

Mike Waters, Chairman of the Penzance Harbour and Town Regeneration Steering Group, also believes the opportunity must not be lost. "Objective One funding is the last major opportunity that Penzance will ever have to ensure its regeneration, future growth and prosperity by providing year-round employment opportunities to those who are either seeking work, facing an uncertain future due to the decline of fishing and farming or whose work is seasonal."

"We cannot afford to miss this opportunity and I applaud the county, district and town councils for their foresight in appointing Nigel Horwell as full-time development manager for the next three years.The steering group was formed three years ago from a series of meetings organised by Jack Aitken, former Penzance mayor, and will continue to work tirelessly with Nigel, to ensure that Penzance's future is secured."

One of the first tasks of the study will be the hydrographic study of the bay and Mr Horwell will be keen to meet with organisations such as the Friends of Penzance Promenade and other interested parties over the next few months. Charlotte Hill, Head of Economic Development and Tourism at Penwith added: "As much progress as possible must be made to ensure that maximum funding is secured within the time frame of Objective One although it is highly likely that we will need to secure additional commercial investment if the aspirations of the study are to be achieved."

The Penzance Harbour and Town Regeneration Action Plan is a joint project, supported by Penwith District Council, Penzance Town Council, Penzance Chamber of Commerce, Penzance Dry Dock Company, Penzance and District Hotel and Restaurant Association, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company and Cornwall County Council.