An artists impression of the proposed extension of the Barbican Landing Stage which will receive funding via the FaSS. Image: Becs Cusack
Cattewater Harbour Commissioners (CHC) have been awarded £150k of Government funding towards the extension of the Barbican landing stage (BLS) via the Marine Management Organisation’s (MMO) Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS).
Capt. Richard Allan, Harbour Master, and CEO of CHC said:
“We are delighted to announce that our plans to extend the facilities at the BLS by adding three new pontoons has been awarded funding from the MMO and can now go ahead.
“We are grateful to the Marine Management Organisation for their help and support through the grant process, without FaSS support, this project would have not been possible at this time.
“Since taking back the management responsibility of the BLS we have invested considerable sums in improvements to the existing structures, this grant will help create additional capacity and for more maritime businesses to operate from the heart of our waterfront.”
As a Trust Port, preparing to celebrate its 150th anniversary next year, CHC is publicly accountable to stakeholders and its ethos is one of holistic stewardship – comprehensive, considered consultation will remain at the core of the Commissioners’ strategy to ensure that the Port best serves and benefits the local and regional community as well as its immediate users. The impact of the Port goes far beyond the economic activity and trade passing through – it must also deliver socially, environmentally, and sustainably.
Leader of Plymouth City Council, Cllr Tudor Evans OBE said:
“We were happy to support the return of the BLS to CHC and the investment and opportunities for local businesses this has already driven is fantastic to see.
“Tourism is important to Plymouth and the opportunity for more visitors to go and catch some fish or take a trip and enjoy our waterscape and marine wildlife is just a fantastic addition to the Ocean City brand.
“The extension will also provide more space for non-commercial vessels like recreational anglers to use the site and provide better access for those with reduced mobility.”
During the pilot CHC ran, 8 new small businesses, mostly owner / operators began to operate out of the BLS this summer. The additional pontoons and capacity will allow commercial fishermen to think about diversification into other maritime trades involving tourism and for more existing businesses to operate out of the Barbican area.
CHC is also offering overnight berthing on the existing pontoons as part of the pilot scheme, leisure users are invited to contact CHC on 01752 665934
The new pontoons will also be available for non-commercial use by recreational angling vessels and small pleasure boats with prior arrangement with CHC. There is a hoist that is available for helping those with reduced mobility and the access ramps to the pontoon are DDA compliant.
The pontoons will now be commissioned, and it is expected that the additional 3 pontoons will in place by early spring. Businesses interested in operating off the new pontoons next year are encouraged to contact CHC via [email protected] to indicate their interest at the earliest opportunity.
Source: Press Release
