29.03.04
Quay to the future!

The Council of the Isles of Scilly has secured just under £200,000 of investment (including Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Objective One) for technical investigations in St Mary's Harbour. This essential work is being carried out by the Route Partnership to improve Scilly's sea transport links with the mainland.

"This is a significant step for the Route Partnership," explained Councillor Dudley Mumford, Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly. "It was just one year ago that the Partnership was established to look at how we could improve our transport links with the mainland. A year later we've signed a contract with the consultancy firm Scott Wilson to carry out our Stage 1 Technical Investigations and Appraisals. This work links the Penwith District Council's project at the other end of the Route for improving Penzance harbour."

The Partnership has brought together a range of public and private sector partners who meet monthly to discuss progress. Besides the Council of the Isles of Scilly, other Route Partnership members are the Duchy of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company, British International, Penwith District Council, and Cornwall County Council.

The technical investigations include gathering maritime data; 2D modelling of quay options; carrying out economic and environmental impact assessments; and working with Penwith District Council's consultants to develop Route Options.

The Plymouth-based multi-disciplinary consultancy Scott Wilson was selected from 13 companies interested in securing the contract. Their Project Manager Roland Pyzer stated: "We're delighted to have been offered this exciting contract. We've not worked on Scilly before and are really looking forward to it. We will be on-site from April and are aiming to carry out much of the work as we can by June."

The consultant's first job is to work with the local community to understand the issues and then come up with outline options for St Mary's Quay and how this would affect a replacement vessel. Initial discussions have been held with members of the Route Partnership and quay users.

The public will have their opportunity to comment over the coming months. The first public exhibition takes place on St Mary's in the Town Hall at the beginning of April. Displays will present the background and issues, together with preliminary ideas. Scott Wilson will be there to meet islanders and listen to views. The exhibition will be open to the public on Thursday 1st April from 10am-6pm and on Friday 2nd April from 9am-1pm. Free transport has been arranged for off-islanders wishing to come along. Copies of the displays can also be viewed at community halls on each of the off-islands.

The £193,500 technical investigations have been made possible through £193,500 investment from the Objective One European Regional Development Fund, (ERDF) £48,612 from the South West RDA with the remaining investment coming from the Isles of Scilly Council, The Duchy of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company.

For further information contact the Council of the Isles of Scilly – either Jane Buchanan on 01720 423307 or Liz Nicholass-McKee on 01720 423561.

Editor's notes:

Jason Clark
Communications Adviser
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Tel: 01872 241379
Fax: 01872 241388
objectiveone@cornwall.gov.uk

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