On Saturday 4th April, as Charlestown Harbour reopened to the public, we invited people to take part in a simple conversation about what comes next. 

For two hours in the Inner Harbour, visitors, residents, businesses and passers-by gathered for Your Harbour – Update & Q&A. Some came with questions, others with ideas, and many simply to see what was happening. 

What followed was open, honest and busy. A lot of people with a lot to say about a place they care about. 

 

Across a series of display boards, we shared updates on the lock gate project, ongoing maintenance, and plans already underway. We had also been collecting feedback through survey boxes in local venues and via the Porthmuer CIC website.  

Post-it notes quickly filled the boards – suggestions, questions, one-word ideas, and the occasional strong opinion. At one point, the Pirates of St Piran made their presence known, arriving in force and leaving a wave of “pirates” and “Pirates of St Piran” notes across the display. Clearly the work of one particularly enthusiastic group, but it brought a sense of humour that summed up the morning. 

Beyond the pirate takeover, the messages were pretty consistent. 

People want to see boats back in the harbour. The return of tall ships. A real sense of maritime life again. Alongside that came practical suggestions – toilets, shelter, better facilities – as well as ideas for events, workshops and activity throughout the year. 

Some responses were thoughtful and detailed, others simple and direct: 

“Boats + working harbour” 
“More positivity + working together” 
“Toilets near beach area” 

Taken together, they painted a clear picture of what people want this harbour to be. 

The Q&A 

At 11.00am, we gathered for a conversation with harbour businesses, followed by a session with the harbour’s owner, Rolf Munding, which drew a strong and engaged crowd. 

These conversations were open and wide-ranging. Questions came from local residents, business owners, harbour users and visitors, reflecting a real interest in the harbour’s future. 

Some of the key topics included: 

The wreck of Kajsamoor 

There were questions about when the wreck would be removed. The vessel is now free of contaminants, but remains too unstable to be lifted in one piece. It will therefore be removed carefully in stages over the coming months, with safety as the priority. 

The return of boats 

A question on many minds. The answer, for now, is as soon as conditions allow. With the lock gate now operational, boats will begin to return on the coming spring tides, and visitors can expect to start seeing vessels back in the harbour soon. 

Working together 

There was a strong appetite for greater collaboration between harbour businesses and organisations. The message from the harbour team was clear – this conversation is just the starting point. There is a genuine openness to working together on shared ideas, collaborative marketing and future plans. 

What people told us 

Across both the survey and the live session, the feedback was consistent. 

People want to see Charlestown Harbour as a working harbour, with boats, skills and maritime activity at its heart. Alongside this, people spoke about: 

  • better facilities and everyday usability  
  • ongoing care and maintenance  
  • a lively programme of events and activity  
  • a strong sense of identity and character  
  • collaboration across the harbour community  

Just as importantly, the tone was constructive. People weren’t just raising concerns – they were offering ideas, solutions and a willingness to be involved. 

CIC info and feedback collection continued through the day
Harbour owner Rolf Munding talking to local business owners
Directors of Porthmuer CIC with interested local people

What happens next 

The harbour reopening is just the start of the next phase. 

Much is already underway. Berthing has relaunched, shipwright services are returning, and a programme of events and activity is taking shape for the months ahead. Alongside this, Porthmuer CIC will continue to develop its work around heritage, learning and community engagement. 

The feedback gathered on the day, along with the wider survey, will help shape priorities, inform future plans and support further funding applications. 

Thank you to everyone who took part – whether by adding a note, asking a question, filling in a survey or simply stopping to engage. 

The harbour has always been shaped by the people who use it. It felt like a good step forward. 

And judging by the number of post-it notes, conversations and returning faces, this is very much a conversation that will continue.