Penzance Harbour Regeneration - Option A
'Option A' is the proposed construction of a passenger / freight dept on Penzance Harbour, along with a new dual purpose ship capable of carrying both passengers and cargo. This will be funded with money from both the UK government and Europe, with further funding for Penzance Promenade promised. It is widely believed that 'Option A' is the most realistic way forward.
It is untrue that a majority of Battery rocks will be built over, as per the initial plans. Since then the designs of the new harbour have been re-drawn numerous times to allow for the preservation of as much of the landscape a possible, and for the passenger fright terminal to fit in with the surroundings. As it stands small portion of the rocks and shingle beach will be reclaimed.
Should we loose the sea link with the Isles of Scilly there would be a knock on effect for the businesses in the wider penzance area. The Scilly Isles are supported by many of the mainland businesses which send their goods over by sea. The Island require many daily and weekly deliveries to survive. If the sea link moves away from Penzance, regardless of which option is chosen, the Islanders will use the businesses near the new ferry location.
Tourism would take a downturn too. A recent study of the local tourist industry found that the link between Penzance and the Islands account for a third of all visitor to the wider Penzance area. Cornwall Council state that tourism accounts for 23% of all money generated in West Cornwall and supports 1 out of every 5 jobs.
Loosing the link could cause 1 out of every 15 jobs to no longer exist, along with a huge drop in the GDP of the area in general. Bare in mind that the area is already one of the poorest in the whole of Europe, and there is little opportunity for new jobs being created without major regeneration in the area.
We have outlined some resources to enable you to find out more about 'Option A' for your self, and addressed some of the misconceptions about 'Option A' in regards to Penzance's seafront. If you feel strongly either for or against the campaign you should make your voice heard.
Resources
Back ground history of Penzance harbour and the developments
www.purelypenzance.co.uk/thetown/harbour.html
'Pro Option A' public campaigners
"
True Friends of Penzance Harbour"
www.truefriend.org.uk
www.facebook.com/pages/A-Future-For-Penzance/292563337156
Against 'Option A'
Friends of Penzance Harbour
www.friendsofpzharbour.org
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45985054355
Option A recommended by Cornwall Council
http://www.businesscornwall.co.uk/news-categories/cornish-economy-news-categories/fresh-hope-for-penzance-ferry-link-123
Find detailed planning information for "Option A" at
www.ioslinkharbours.co.uk/en/project-development/harbours/penzance/option-a/
View the photographs of what the proposal will look like from various viewpoints at www.ioslinkharbours.co.uk/en/project-development/harbours/penzance/option-a/
Questions
Q: Will Battery Rocks will be destroyed?
A: 8% of the rocks will have to be sacrificed, along with the a portion of the beach next to the harbour wall. You will still be able to swim from Battery Rocks.
Q: Will Jubilee Pool be affected?
A Jubilee Pool won't be touched, the boat will dock inside the harbour. Jubilee Pool and the cafe may indeed see an increase in trade from having more people nearby.
Q: Is the funding in place?
A Over £23m of funding is available now for 'Option A', from both the UK government and Europe.
Q: What about Penzance Promenade?
A: Penzance promenade would receive more use than in years, with people waiting for the ferry to the Scilly Isles. This would bring a welcome boost to the traders along the seafront. There is additional funding available for improvements to the promenade in the near future.
Q: What about the harbour its self?
A: Construction of the harbour we see today began in 1512, with the southern arm being added in 1766, then further extended in 1785. The main pier was again extended in 1812, and it was at this time the harbour began a rapid period of expansion of the next 100 years. This new redevelopment continues the tradition of improvements to Penzance Harbour.
Q: What about the traffic?
A: While the work is being completed there will be an increase of general traffic in the area. Once the work is completed, the amount of freight going to the Scillies will fall back to current levels.
Q: Is the community against 'Option A'
A: No it's not. It's divided or even possibly now in favour. These is a current campaign in support of 'Option A' which is gaining support all the time.
View from the war memorial of Option A
What can you do?
Whether you are for or against Option A you should do something about it, just make sure you're well informed and have made your mind up for yourself, based on facts.
1 - Get involved online
'Pro Option A' public campaigners
"
True Friends of Penzance Harbour"
www.truefriend.org.uk
www.facebook.com/pages/A-Future-For-Penzance/292563337156
Against 'Option A'
"Save our Seafront"
www.friendsofpzharbour.org
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45985054355
2 - Sign the petition.
For redevelopment
http://www.ipetitions.com/ petition/pzharbour
Against
http://www.ipetitions.com/ petition/pzharbour_no
3 - Send a letter to the planners.
Mr P Mason
Head of Planning and Regeneration
Cornwall Council, St Clare, Penzance, TR18 3QW.
Quote Ref: Application ref 10-0095LBC. Penzance Harbour.
State that you wish to support the application and any reasons you wish to give.
Email – planning.west1@cornwall.gov.uk
Pre written letters are available from this web page.
4 - Send a letter to the Cornishman
The Editor (Jacqui Walls)
The Cornishman,
Buriton House,
Alverton Street,
Penzance.
TR18 2QP.
E-mail jacqui.walls@c-dm.co.uk
5 - Tell people!!!
Tell anyone who will listen that you support 'Option A'.
Option A photos copyright Cornwall Council.
Sections of text from the "Future for Penzance" Facebook Group
This does not constitute endorsement from any of Purely Penzance's employees, sponsors or investors.
