New proposals for the future of Falmouth Docks will be unveiled to the public this week, signalling a major step forward in the Port of Falmouth Development Initiative.
The Port of Falmouth Masterplan will go on public display from Friday (March 18) and members of the public are being urged to have their say on the port’s future.
The independent masterplan, developed by Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design Ltd, is the result of a detailed study looking at the future marine use of Falmouth and its role in the community. It sets out opportunities for investment and new development in the docks to support the long-term economic regeneration of the town.
As well as economic benefits and employment opportunities, the study also includes a co-ordinated approach on transport, power generation and addressing environmental impacts.
The four-week consultation event starts with a public exhibition on Friday and Saturday (March 18 and 19) between 10am and 7pm at Falmouth Watersports Centre, Grove Place.
The exhibition will be staffed by representatives from some of the businesses involved, who will be able to answer questions and discuss opportunities.
In 2008, the Port of Falmouth Development Initiative was formed to prepare and progress proposals for the development of the port, particularly focussed on proposals for the docks area. The initiative includes representatives from Cornwall Council, Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (FHC), A&P Falmouth, Pendennis Shipyard, Falmouth Petroleum Ltd, South West of England Regional Development Agency, Cornwall Development Company and the Government Office for the South West.
FHC chairman David Ellis said: “The port development initiative has the potential to make a major positive impact on the Cornish economy, including positioning Falmouth to benefit from the significant future development of the offshore renewable energy sector and allowing visits by larger cruise ships
“This exhibition is an opportunity for the general public to see firsthand how crucial dredging a deep-water channel into Falmouth Harbour is to the entire future of the town.”
Peter Child, MD of A&P Falmouth, said: “The port of Falmouth is vitally important to the whole Cornish economy and this development will play a huge part in ensuring the port has a sustainable future. A&P Falmouth continues to be committed to operating in the highly skilled ship repair and maritime sector and developing its growing reputation as a leader in the marine renewable energy sector.”
Mike Carr, Joint MD of Pendennis Shipyard, added: “The study is well timed for the Pendennis Group as the board has been considering the next phase of strategic development into the larger yacht market. The study has provided the group with a benchmark at high level of the exciting opportunity of potentially doubling existing capacity on the Falmouth site with our immediate neighbours Falmouth Petroleum Limited and other companies on the site. ”
Anyone unable to attend can view the consultation material by clicking here from March 21 until April 11.
