Andrew Munson said a meeting of the harbour commissioners would decide if management of the market should go to tender. If it is proposed, a six week consultation period will present an opportunity for those who wish to put forward their views.
"All we are doing at this stage is looking at the proposals that are out there for the management of the market," said Mr Munson.
"Rather than the harbour commissioners paying all the costs, it could be that someone out there may present a business plan that could take that cost away." The company which wins the contract would need to demonstrate that they could provide a return for the harbour commissioners and successfully manage the facilities.
John Lambourn, chairman of the Penzance Market and Coastal Town Initiative, said he was concerned that local people were not involving themselves in the debate.
"It's very important that they express an opinion about it and not be simply victims of change," he said.
"This decision will affect the whole county, fishermen from every cove use Newlyn to land their fish."
Cornish firms express interest in new fish market
UK - Newlyn's harbourmaster has confirmed that five local businesses and one Plymouth company have expressed an interest in running the new fish market.