Exciting plans for refurbishment and redevelopment of the Barbican Landing Stage (BLS) have been announced today by the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners (CHC).
Captain Richard Allan, Harbour Master and CEO of CHC said:
“We are delighted to confirm that this week {13th March] we will start our investment in the BLS and that the resurfacing and refurbishment of two pontoons will begin. These initial works will take about two weeks and we have chosen to get on with this part of the project immediately so that the work will be complete in time for the Easter season and cause minimum disruption to businesses and the local community”.
The refurbishment plans will see the two pontoons resurfaced with marine grade anti-slip surfaces and other maintenance works to help not just improve the aesthetics of the pontoons but to increase the longevity of this key piece of local infrastructure.
The Port Authority recently held an open meeting for business users who are current users or are interested in using the facility to operate commercially from.
Sean Marshall, deputy Harbour Master said:
“We have worked hard to find a charging and management regime that was fair to both small and larger operators alike. We have had a fantastic response and uptake since the meeting, even welcoming new start-up marine businesses to our city, so much so we are close to reaching our limit for the 2023 season.”
Ben Squire of Plymouth Boat Trips said:
“We are pleased to see CHC getting on with upgrades and maintenance so quickly, our businesses operate year-round and welcome many passengers to and from the Barbican, these improvements and others planned will help improve the look and offer and make sure that Britain’s Ocean City maintains a first class facility for its visitors.”
A local coded charter skipper said:
“It is great that CHC have come up with a scheme that links our annual costs to use the BLS with our potential to earn. We are delighted to have applied for one of the licenses and look forward to offering fishing trips out of the Barbican this year. It is good for existing clients to be able to board at the BLS but also gives us the opportunity to increase our offer to those just passing on the Barbican who fancy a day or half day out fishing as well as enabling us the opportunity to diversify.”
In addition, following preliminary investigations, CHC have drawn up plans that would see the facility potentially extended to offer more drop off and pick up points and an opportunity to offer visiting leisure vessels overnight walk ashore berths, with direct access into our waterfront.
