Improvements to the Harbour in Penzance, the position where the Scillonian and Gry Maritha Dock, is seen as a vital keystone in the regeneration plans for Penzance.
County Councillors, District Councillors and Town Councillors alongside the Penzance Harbour and Town Regeneration Action Plan have released ideas, which would make the dock more accessible to pedestrians and cargo destined for The Islands. Penzance has recently been under close scrutiny as a town; it was recently labelled as having the worst drugs problem in Cornwall. Amongst other plans for the town, a market may be built and the marina will be improved for sailing clubs and other such sports seen as vital to tourism.
Penzance has long benefited from the trade of people passing through this main terminal for the Islands. The Steamship Company and Helicopter service has brought added business to the area, ranging from increased rail travel through to extra income for bed and breakfast guest houses. The Action plan team has been quoted as saying that improved facilities for the Scillonian and Gry are “fundamental” to any improvements.
This regeneration also plans to make Penzance an “outstanding tourist area” in its own right. Recent renovations have seen the old gas works demolished and a new shopping mall erected in its place.
One plan, to build a breakwater out into the harbour, can be seen as a direct response to incidents in the Summer when low spring tides and rough seas meant the Scillonian had to re write docking plans. The car parking facilities have long been seen as inadequate, this new bid promises to add nearly 250 parking spaces for Scillonian passengers. The objectives also include extending the quay to be accessible to coaches and large goods vehicles.
A planning application is expected to be submitted early in 2002 so the work may be finished in 2003 / 2004. This would undoubtedly coincide with the arrival of the new ‘Scillonian IV’ due to come into operation in the summer of 2004.