Progress Update: Final Masonry Works at Newlyn Old Quay

The restoration of the Grade II* listed Old Quay is now approaching its concluding stages. Designated as a “Heritage at Risk” site by Historic England, this medieval structure is undergoing essential stabilization to ensure its long-term structural integrity and continued use as a working harbor.

Current works are focused on the final re-pointing of the quay’s parapet. This process utilizes a specialized lime mortar, analyzed and specified to match the historical composition of the original masonry. By replacing decayed cement and vegetation with this breathable, traditional material, the project is successfully mitigating the water ingress that has threatened the quay’s core.

In conjunction with the masonry repairs, significant progress has been made on the Red Lion slip. The project is overseeing the renewal of granite setts across the slipway, replacing modern tarmac and debris with over 350 square meters of Cornish granite. These stones are being meticulously bedded to restore the slip’s 19th-century profile, providing a durable surface suited to both heritage conservation and modern maritime requirements.

Supported by the Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners and Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, these final works represent a significant milestone in safeguarding Newlyn’s maritime infrastructure.

View over the old quay, one of the few fine weather days in December
Old Quay and Red Lion slip - work completed!
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View over the old quay, one of the few fine weather days in December
View over the old quay, one of the few fine weather days in December
Waiting pallets of new granite setts.
Waiting pallets of new granite setts.
Final sett laying in progress.
Final sett laying in progress.
Final stages in preparing the grit bed
Final stages in preparing the grit bed
Three days to go before the Xmas break.
Three days to go before the Xmas break.
Finding the right length stone
Finding the right length stone
Raking in the final grit layer
Raking in the final grit layer
Lining up the last few setts
Lining up the last few setts
Red Lion slip now complete
Red Lion slip now complete
Looking at the top of the slip
Looking at the top of the slip
The Old Quay parapet pointing is now complete
The Old Quay parapet pointing is now complete
The top of the Old Quay parapet
The top of the Old Quay parapet
The next stage - breaking up the old tarmac on the access road.
The next stage - breaking up the old tarmac on the access road.
Connecting up the water and electricity bollards on the Old Quay.
Connecting up the water and electricity bollards on the Old Quay.
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