Bringing the Old Quay back into use
Newlyn Harbour in partnership.
Project goals:
- Preserve history: The original harbour holds a significant place in Newlyn’s fishing and maritime tradition. More often referred to locally as the Old Quay, bringing it back into use will safeguard it’s heritage for future generations.
- Revitalise 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 the Old Quay after sailing to Shetland and back in 2015.
Visit Cornwall Maritime Trust
LATEST RESTORATION BLOG 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 quay 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 Quay and Gwavas Lake from before the 14th Century.
Newlyn’s Old Quay has served as the heart of the village for centuries. However, with the growing demands on the main working harbour, the old harbour itself has seen a decline in general maintenance over recent decades.
Recognising its historical importance, Historic England conducted a thorough assessment of the old quay 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 Quay area.
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 Quay back into use.
Project lead: Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commission
Project finance: Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commission with £10k from Penzance Council.
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 Quay will also provide a safe haven and home for the local lugger fleet.
Working quayside: The Barnabas, Happy Return, Snowdrop and Ripple are just four of a number of luggers that will benefit from having a base from which to operate.
Functional: Having easy access to mains water and electricity will allow maintenance above and below the waterline repairs without the need for expensive dry-docking or drying out in the busy main harbour.
Events: Join us for our annual Painting Party! All ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in a community painting day. This year, we’ll be capturing the vibrant scene of luggers being painted! 🎨🖌️
