The Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners (NP&HC) announce a new partnership with Tower Group to advance the Sandy Cove development and a series of infrastructure improvements that will shape the harbour’s future.
The collaboration marks a milestone in Newlyn Harbour development, reflecting a strategic vision for growth, sustainability and support for Cornwall’s fishing industry.
The Harbour Commissioners have signed a Letter of Intent with Tower Group, paving the way for detailed planning and the investment required to realise the Sandy Cove project. Tower Group is a sustainable infrastructure developer focused on enabling the UK’s transition to green energy, specialising in offshore wind, renewable energy storage, and the use of green hydrogen and low-carbon fuels. Through this partnership, significant private and institutional investment can be leveraged to help deliver a modernised, future-ready port.
“With well-established roots in the South West and a thorough understanding of the economic challenges and opportunities for Newlyn and for Cornwall, Tower Group is uniquely placed to drive forward the Harbour Commissioners’ ambitious plans for Sandy Cove,” said Newlyn Harbour Master & CEO, Jonathan Poynter.
“This Letter of Intent is a prelude to forming a Joint Venture or Special Purpose Vehicle to develop the Sandy Cove project so that we can expand the Harbour for the future fishing industry, provide more space for larger, modern fishing boats as well as storage on an industrial scale, and then diversify and improve the Port for a broader range of operations.”
Tower Group CEO Alex King echoed this enthusiasm, saying: “With the Tower Group team’s expertise in securing investment, developing real estate and strategic, long-term thinking, alongside the company’s network of contacts in the defence and renewables sectors, we are delighted to partner with Newlyn Harbour for this process of renewal. We were impressed by the Harbour Commissioners’ bold ideas when their plans for Sandy Cove were presented at the UKREiiF conference, and we are now in lockstep to deliver this for Newlyn, for Cornwall and for the UK’s strategic energy ambitions.”
The Newlyn Harbour development partnership allows NP&HC to focus simultaneously on a programme of practical improvements to support current harbour users. Plans include upgrading the private water supply, modernising fuelling infrastructure, improving pedestrian safety, and enhancing maintenance facilities for the inshore fleet over the next two to three years. These works will help ensure that while the harbour evolves for the future, it continues to serve the fishing community that remains its beating heart.
Work on the Newlyn Marine Skills & Resource Centre, located on The Strand, is also progressing rapidly. The £1.75 million project, funded in part through the government’s Town Deal programme, is expected to be completed in early 2026. The building is now out of the ground, almost weather-tight, and close to completing its stonework. Following a competitive process, Seafood Cornwall Training has been awarded the contract to deliver courses and qualifications at the centre.
“Seafood Cornwall Training offers a huge range of qualifications and courses for new fishermen as well as experienced seafarers,” said Training Manager, Clare Leverton. “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to do so in this dedicated new facility at the heart of Newlyn and are already planning to receive the first cohort of students next year.”
Elsewhere in the harbour, historic restoration work is also advancing. Following a £199,301 grant from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, repairs are underway at Newlyn’s Grade II* listed medieval Old Harbour. The initial phase, which includes re-stapling capping stones and re-setting quoins on the Old Quay, has already been completed. The next stage, currently out to tender, involves laying repurposed granite from Liverpool Docks and re-pointing the parapet in traditional lime mortar, ensuring the project aligns with Historic England’s guidance.
NP&HC Chairman Paul Durkin confirmed that further capital projects are also being prepared to extend capacity at Newlyn Harbour through the modification of existing pontoon facilities and the installation of new pontoons. These developments will provide improved berthing, better access, and potentially allow for limited dredging to increase space and efficiency.
Harbour Master Jonathan Poynter also represented Newlyn at the British Ports Association Conference on the River Humber and at the BPA Fishing Ports Group meeting in Fraserburgh. “Participation in such events is critical to maintaining the profile of NP&HC amongst our peers and regulators,” he said. “Both occasions provided useful insight and understanding of the issues affecting the wider ports industry, as well as meaningful connections with individuals who represent the industry at regional and national levels, and the agencies and ministries we interact with.”
Meanwhile, life at Newlyn Harbour continues to thrive. With the Mediterranean octopus bloom ongoing and Bluefin tuna still being landed alongside the harbour’s famous Cornish fish, the sardine season is now in full swing. The market remains a vibrant centre for the region’s fishing economy and the community it sustains.
The Newlyn Harbour development partnership with Tower Group represents more than a construction project. It is a statement of intent to build on the port’s proud maritime heritage while embracing a sustainable, modern future. By combining renewable energy expertise, infrastructure investment and community-focused regeneration, Newlyn is positioning itself at the forefront of the UK’s blue economy.
NP&HC Board meetings continue to take place on the first Friday of alternate months, ensuring that local stakeholders remain informed and engaged as these ambitious plans move forward.
