A popular UK seaside town is set to go through its biggest revamp in 70 years with an impressive £150 million being injected into it. The premier cruise ship destination may be “future-proofed” if plans are approved, with a number of drastic changes proposed. A planning application has been submitted by The Falmouth Docks & Engineering Company (FDEC) to both Cornwall Council and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to improve the docks in the town.
The plans, if approved, would see the demolition of some of the on-site buildings and the partial demolition of existing wharf structures. Additionally, there would be new wharf structures as well as a new area where floating wind power structures could be built ahead of being towed out into the Celtic Sea. The proposal (PA25/01598), valued at £150 million, suggests an extension of the existing Queens Wharf westwards to increase the length of operational deck available to allow the berthing of larger vessels along the Queen’s Wharf berth.
This extension would allow for the arrival of the Excellence Class cruise ships of up to 345m (1,161ft) in length, 42m (138ft) in width and with an 8.5m (28ft) draught. Meanwhile, the new Floating Offshore Wind Energy (‘FLOW’) deck is proposed on the western edge of the site.
Here, FLOW devices would be assembled to support the marine and renewable energy sector. The FDEC said in its planning application: “This would future-proof and provide efficiency to dock operations, ensuring the long-term viability and significance of Falmouth Dock and the industries and employment it supports.”
They added that the work is needed as some of the structures on the site are old and are in need of an overhaul. The improvements would see a reported 200,000 extra people visiting the town per year by as early as 2030. It has been claimed that this would add £13 million into the local economy and create hundreds of jobs.
“The potential to achieve this growth in passenger volume is dependent on the redevelopment plans at Falmouth,” the applicaiton says.
Falmouth is a popular seaside town on the southwestern coast of England, boasting an old-timey feel and pretty beaches where Brits flock on hot summer days. Other attractions there include the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Pendennis Castle and Trebah Garden.
The area is also popular with those interested in sailing and watersports as well as hiking. There are also an abundance of top-rated restaurants, cafes and independent shops in the area.
The proposed new docks would also help to double cargo and freight capacity in Falmouth. “The key economic and social drivers of the project are to ensure the long-term viability, safety and efficiency of operations at Falmouth Docks, alongside promoting the growth and diversification of the activities supported by the dock,” the application reads.
“By increasing the dock’s capacity to accommodate cruise, the proposed development supports the local and regional tourism industry and economic growth of Falmouth (and Cornwall more widely).
“Furthermore, the design of Western Wharf ensures that access to the dry docks immediately east of the proposed development, which are used for ship repair, is maintained. Consequently, the proposed development is anticipated to both maintain existing employment and skills at the dock and create new employment opportunities.”
The proposal was welcomed by Richard Gates, Falmouth Town Manager on behalf of the Falmouth Town Team, the partnership between Falmouth Town Council and Falmouth Business Improvement District (BID). He commented: “Falmouth has a thriving marine industry which continues to capitalise on its longstanding traditional boat building roots whilst innovating with new technologies, creativity and services which are in demand right around the world.
“Our port’s continually evolving and progressing marine sector includes elements of the leisure and cruising sector, boat building and servicing, supply and maintenance, chandlery and design/interior businesses, oil bunkering and cargo servicing, the building of world-class superyachts, an ever-growing renewable energy sector, diving and water-based activity organisations as well as all manner of offshore marine supply, service and innovation.”
Of the redevelopment plans for Falmouth Docks and the surrounding areas, Richard added: “We as a Town Team fully support these proposals, designed to increase Falmouth port’s capacity bringing necessary modernisation to the ship repair facilities alongside a new FLOW wind power area. The plans also include enhancement of the wharves, enabling the docks to handle larger cruise ships, therefore driving significantly more invaluable footfall and secondary spend into our critical local economy.”