Bringing the Old Harbour back into use
Newlyn Association and Newlyn Harbour
Project goals:
- Preserve history: The Old Harbour holds a significant place in Newlyn’s fishing and maritime tradition. Bringing the Old Habour back into use will safeguard this heritage for future generations.
- Revitalize the community: A working Old Harbour could boost tourism, commerce, and the overall economic well-being of Newlyn.
- Celebrate culture: A restored harbour can serve as a vibrant hub for cultural and creative events, traditional working boat festivals, and educational programs, promoting Newlyn’s rich maritime identity.
Visit Mounts Bay Lugger Association
The Barnabas SS634, built in 1881, seen here arriving back at Gwavas Quay after sailing to Shetland and back in 2015.
Visit Cornwall Maritime Trust
Latest news posts
News: Keep up to date with restoration news and pictures by following the blog posts.
Volunteer: We are always looking for volunteers or help in any way to make the Old harbour a hub of activity celebrating the port’s historic place in the history of Newlyn..
Donate: If you cannot donate your time, can you spare resources like hand tools, garden tools or even a wheelbarrow?
Experts in their field will lead supervised groups of volunteers and oversee the cleaning up and restoration work.
Explore the fishing heritage of Newlyn that grew up around the Old Harbour and Gwavas Quay from before the 14th Century.
Newlyn’s Old Harbour has served as the heart of the village for centuries. However, with the growing demands on the main working harbour, the Old Harbour has seen a decline in general maintenance over recent decades.
Recognizing its historical importance, Historic England conducted a thorough assessment of the Old Harbour in 2023. This assessment focused on the listed structures within the area, highlighting their significance. Based on the findings and a detailed archeological assessment and statement of significance, listed building work consent has been approved and joint funding from NHPC and £10,000 from Penzance Town Council has been obtained. Crucially, much of this will go towards using genuine wrought iron to replace the worn out ladders and mooring rings. Grant funding opportunities are now being explored to financially support the rest of the work.
Bringing the harbour back into use as a base for local and visiting luggers aims to build on Newlyn’s rich maritime heritage and breathe new life into the Old Harbour.
Newlyn Archive will play an active role in gathering or documenting any old photos, movies, artwork, documents or artefacts associated with the Old harbour.
Bringing Newlyn’s Old Harbour back into use.
Project lead: West Cornwall Lugger Industry Trust Ltd
Old Harbour owners: Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commission
Project finance: WCLIT with Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commission.
Collating the history: Newlyn Archive
A Home for Luggers
Once the structural and fittings work has been completed to make the old quay and harbour workable for the maintenance of small fishing boats, the Old Harbour will also provide a safe haven and home for the local lugger fleet.
A Haven: The Barnabas, Happy Return, Snowdrop and Ripple are just three of a number of luggers that will benefit from having a base from which to operate.
Functional: Having easy access to water and electricity will allow maintenance above and below the waterline repairs to be carried out without the need for expensive dry-docking or drying out in the busy main harbour.
Events: An annual Painting Party, will provide a chance for artists of all ilks and ages to participate in a community painting day capturing the luggers themselves being painted!
