As we move into the final weeks before Christmas, the harbour team and our contractors continue to make steady progress on the new lock gate. The structure is now fully assembled on the pontoon, and this week the top walkway section arrived on site, ready to be installed once the final alignment is complete. 

The engineering team is continuing their fine-tuning and precision checks on the gate’s bearings and alignment. These final adjustments are an essential part of the process for a bespoke gate of this scale and have to be carried out carefully and safely. The installation itself can only take place during a suitable Spring tide window, when tidal height and weather conditions come together to allow the gate to be floated and lifted into position. 

Installation will go ahead during the next Spring tide window once the fine-tuning is complete. The project is still moving forward as planned ready for the April 2026 reopening, and we’ll update everyone with the confirmed installation date as soon as it’s set. 

Christmas at Charlestown Harbour 

Whatever the timing of the final installation, our Christmas Markets will be going ahead as planned and the harbour will be looking wonderfully festive throughout December. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors for our two Christmas weekends on 6th-7th December and 20th–21st December, with local food and drink, artisan makers, live music and of course, Santa’s Grotto. 

Full details: charlestownharbour.com/events/christmas 

Looking Ahead 

Thank you for your continued support and patience as we move through these last stages of what has been a major undertaking for the harbour. The gate is now assembled, the walkway is on site, and the final precision work is well underway. This project represents close to £2.5 million of investment in Charlestown’s future, with most of that coming from the harbour’s owner, Rolf Munding. We’re proud to be approaching this milestone and excited for what it means for the harbour in the years ahead. 

We’ll continue to share updates as the next tide windows approach. In the meantime, we’re looking forward to a bright and festive December here at Charlestown Harbour. 

A winter scene looking out across the outer harbour at Charlestown past the historic Roundhouse and on to distant headlands. The tide is high and the sky is crisp and blue.