Following Southerly storm winds of up to 60mph, Charlestown Harbour has experienced severe damage to its lock gate. As a result of this damage and following expert consultation the harbour team have made the decision to open the sluice gate  and operate tidally to avoid further damaging the gate prior to scheduled repair works.  The team is actively working to manage the situation and ensure the safety and preservation of the fabric of the harbour and vessels. Thankfully none of the vessels were damaged during the storm or while resting on the soft mud of the harbour floor.  

Charlestown Harbour is cherished for its role in Cornwall’s maritime and mining heritage, and the harbour master and management team are taking every measure to protect the harbour’s historic fabric. The team worked through the night during the storm to mitigate the impact, and ongoing efforts are being made to secure the gate. Visitors are advised that the harbour is currently closed as a safety measure while emergency repairs are underway. While the harbour master and his team are managing the situation, patience and cooperation are necessary to help ensure both public safety and the preservation of the site. 

The lock gate at Charlestown Harbour is a crucially important feature, serving as the link between the inner harbour and the open waters of the Atlantic. It protects the Inner Harbour and the vessels moored within from harsh weather conditions and enables year-round harbour operations. During the summer months, the lock gate ensures the safety and accessibility of the harbour for local businesses and the public, allowing Charlestown Harbour’s rich heritage and culture to be experienced by all. 

The timing of the damage is particularly unfortunate as it comes just weeks before scheduled regeneration work was due to begin on the lock gate. The Harbour has been offered a substantial funding boost of £656,047 from Cornwall Council through the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund [https://www.ukspf.com/], marking a significant step forward in safeguarding the future of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site. The lock gate regeneration project will fully repair and renovate the lock gate and surrounding harbour walls. Since the grant was promised in 2023 the team have been working hard to secure the correct licences and contracts in order to start work. The works are dependent on various licences and consents, the timescales for which are out of our control, however we remain optimistic that after many months of waiting we will have the appropriate MMO license in the coming weeks. The grant will be paid in retrospect once each stage of work has been completed. We appreciate the public’s understanding as we move forward with these plans, and we hope to restore the harbour to its full working condition as swiftly as possible. 

The existing lock gate, installed in 1971, has seen better days. Prior to 2018, when Charlestown Harbour Ltd took ownership, the lock gate suffered from a lack of maintenance. Despite regular maintenance and repair efforts by the current owners, wear and tear from past years has taken its toll, further exacerbated by Storm Darcy in 2021. The Lock gate Regeneration Project aims to secure the lock gate’s future functionality for at least another 15 years, thereby ensuring the harbour remains a vibrant and safe destination for historic vessels and other visitors to the harbour. 

The project, with a total estimated cost of £1.2 million, will not only be funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund but also significantly supplemented by private investment from Charlestown Harbour Ltd. The harbour’s owner is committed to preserving this vital heritage asset, ensuring it remains an active and thriving part of Cornwall’s maritime community. This regeneration is crucial to maintaining Charlestown Harbour’s status as a working Georgian port and a premier hub for classic vessels in Cornwall and the UK. 

Charlestown Harbour remains a key part of Cornwall’s cultural identity and a world-renowned destination, especially as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The team have been overwhelmed by messages of support and would like to thank the public for reaching out in this difficult time. We will continue to provide updates as we make progress on repairs. 

You can read more about the Harbour’s regeneration project here: [https://charlestownharbour.com/lockgate-regeneration-project/], and support repair and maintenance efforts using the donation stations on site. 

Charlestown Harbour Team 

October 2024