St Mary’s harbour is to get a revamp after the council secured ?200,000 of investment.
The work will be carried out by the Route Partnership to improve Scilly’s sea transport links with the mainland.
“This is a significant step for the Route Partnership”, explained Councillor Dudley Mumford to Scilly News.
“It was just one year ago that the Partnership was established to look at how we could improve our transport links with the mainland. A year later we’ve signed a contract with the consultancy firm Scott Wilson to carry out our Stage 1 Technical Investigations and Appraisals. This work links the Penwith District Council’s project at the other end of the Route for improving Penzance harbour.”
The consultant’s first job is to work with the local community to understand the issues and then come up with outline options for St Mary’s Quay and how this would effect a replacement vessel. Initial discussions have been held with members of the Route Partnership and quay users.
The public will have their opportunity to comment over the coming months. The first public exhibition takes place on St Mary’s in the Town Hall at the end of the week. Displays will present the background and issues, together with preliminary ideas.
Scott Wilson will also be there to meet islanders and hear from them. The exhibition will be open to the public on Thursday 1st April from 10am-6pm and on Friday 2nd April from 9am-1pm.
Free transport has been arranged for off-islanders wishing to come along. Copies of the displays can also be viewed at community halls on each of the off-islands.