This week Cornwall Council was granted listed building consent for their Penzance ferry terminal plans. Penzance Business Network has been following the ferry link proposals with interest. Chairman, Paul Newport commented as follows:

"It’s clear for all to see that Penzance is starting to move forward and Penzance Business Network is looking ahead to a period of development and growth for the town. This will benefit everyone who lives and works in Penzance and the surrounding area.

On Monday Cornwall’s Strategic Planning Committee approved the second application to carry out work on the listed South Pier in Penzance. This is another step along the path to develop a new ferry terminal by building a facility on the seaward side of the pier wall.

Time is of the essence and the ferry terminal development must proceed to completion as soon as possible. Some officials suggest that the current plan may face legal challenges or delays in the future for a number of reasons and we hope that any delays are not detrimental to the deliverability of a secure Isles of Scilly sea link from Penzance.

As many of you will know the Penzance Business Network has supported a variation of the present plan, our plan was a rescue package for when it seemed likely the link would go to Falmouth. Our plan still exists and should the link scheme fail at any of the remaining hurdles we would be ready to fully explore the possibilities of our option with the Route Partnership and The Cornwall Council.

With Option Pz, the public in Penzance are aware of the benefits of this reserve plan. People seem to be feeling reassured by its inclusion of the re-development of the harbour-side and the immediate regeneration and sustainability offered. Penzance Business Network looks forward to working closely with Cornwall Council over the coming months to finally get this scheme to a satisfactory conclusion for all of Penzance and the Isles of Scilly."

Paul Newport

Chairman of PZBN