Penzance breakwater – consultation underway

Posted on: 27th March 2015
Andrew George MP and Jonathan Burnett  resizedAndrew George and Jonathan Burnett

 

Comments and suggestions welcome

The Penzance Harbour Working Party yesterday (Thursday 26th March) held a roundtable meeting with key stakeholders to discuss the future of Penzance Harbour and seafront at St Clare, Penzance. The Harbour Working Group Party which was set up by Andrew George MP a year ago, is chaired by former Truro and Penwith College Principal, Jonathan Burnett, with representatives from Cornwall Council ,including Cllr Jim McKenna; Penzance Town Council including the Mayor of Penzance, David Nebesnuick; Cornwall’s Harbourmaster, Andy Brigden; and Neighbourhood Plan representative  Keith Bell.

There has been strong support for the offshore breakwater study, both from the strong public response to Penzance Neighbourhood Plan, and in response to Andrew George’s neighbourhood survey on the issue, which showed more than 90% of local people backed the offshore breakwater as a key component of the regeneration of the Penzance Harbour area.

The Harbour Working Party, which meets regularly in Mr George’s office, is now calling on Penzance Harbour and seafront users, stakeholders, mariners and local residents to bring forward their comments, suggestions and concerns; and to let them know what their top priorities are for the Penzance Harbour area.

Mr George said, “There will be many different people with different perspectives and priorities on the future of Penzance Harbour and seafront.  Each of these need to be taken into account.  If we get this right we could see massive investment in a marina and the development of leisure activities, a sound basis to attract cruise ships, the opportunity to generate renewable energy and the build up of a sandy beach on the seafront.

“We are particularly interested in discovering which of the many harbour and seafront assets local people see as the highest priority for protection; and which provide the greatest assets for future economic regeneration.  I am pleased that the working party is making good progress.  We all look forward to a constructive engagement as this exciting plan takes its first important step forward”.