Cornwall Council has awarded £656,047 from the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund to assist in regenerating the lockgate which forms a key part of the historic World Heritage Site of Charlestown Harbour.
The lockgate was installed in 1971 and prior to current ownership, maintenance of the lockgate was lacking. Since current ownership (2018), the lockgate has undergone regular maintenance and repair, but sadly the historical damage was done. Additionally, in 2021, Storm Darcy caused significant damage to the lockgate. The lockgate regeneration project will enable the use of the lockgate for some 15 years plus.
Commenting, St Austell and Newquay’s Member of Parliament Steve Double said:
“I worked hard to secure the £132million for the Shared Prosperity Fund to replace the previous funding through the EU and this is another great example of a successful bid in our constituency which will lead to a tangible improvement for our area.”
“Charlestown Harbour is a real success story in these challenging times and is a vibrant and exciting visitor destination, not just for people from around St Austell, but also across Cornwall and around the world. In fact, it is a World Heritage Site, and it is important we protect this historic place, not just as a destination for local people and visitors to enjoy, but as an important part of our local china clay heritage and history.”
“I was pleased to support this successful bid from Charlestown Harbour and look forward to seeing the gates refurbished to allow people and harbour users continued full access to enjoy all it has to offer.”
Commenting, local Cornwall Councillor James Mustoe said:
“When the criteria for the Shared Prosperity Fund was announced last year, it seemed a natural fit for Charlestown Harbour to apply for funding to help in the ongoing repairs that are crucial for this iconic site, from the Culture and Heritage-led Regeneration and Skills part of the fund.
“I was pleased to suggest this to Charlestown Harbour and then support their excellent bid throughout the process, particularly with the support and guidance of Cabinet Member Louis Gardner and Steve Double MP, and am delighted to see its success.”
“Charlestown Harbour is a key location for people from around St Austell and further afield and holds many memories for all of us, both in its industrial past, its role on screen in many films and tv shows, and many more personal experiences. For example my wife and I recently celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary, and we have wonderful memories of having our wedding photos taken on the current harbour gates. I look forward to seeing the gates replaced and the harbour preserved for ours and many more generations to come.”
Commenting, Louis Gardner, Cabinet Member responsible for the Economy on Cornwall Council said:
“This project to restore a vital feature of Charlestown Harbour is a perfect fit for SPF funding, both preserving a historical feature for future generations and helping an emerging centre of economic activity to thrive. The harbour has a been a melting pot of economic growth for hundreds of years, initially through its port operations and now through retail, hospitality and an increasing cultural offering. I have to thank local Councillor James Mustoe and MP Steve Double for championing this cause and driving it forward to a successful bid.”
