The two-stage project is delivering a new harbour wall and will also provide infrastructure and facilities for the benefit of local fishermen. It is being supported by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) through a 1.2 million grant from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF). The MMO also granted consent for marine construction work to take place as part of the scheme.
The work is important for the future of the local fishing industry as the poor condition of the old harbour wall meant land surrounding the harbour was unable to be developed. If the barrier failed it would also cause significant disruption to commercial and recreational activity in the harbour.
In addition to creating a new harbour wall the project will provide improved facilities for fishermen including 16 new moorings, a refrigeration area and ice-making machine, storage compounds, a 55 kg capacity crane to lift boxes from boats to shore, electricity hook-ups, a diesel store and a CCTV security system.
It is anticipated the development will help ensure a viable economic future for the fisheries sector of Southwold, helping it to improve the quality and price of its catch.
Catherine Murphy, Programme Manager for the EFF in England, said: "The Marine Management Organisation was pleased to be involved in the early stages of this very worthwhile project. The site visit we undertook showed very clearly the need for investment in this area. I am so pleased that we were able to fund these improvements which really demonstrate the aims and objectives of the EFF scheme as an investor in communities as well as businesses."
Development below the marine high water springs mark requires consent from the MMO, which granted a licence for the construction of the new harbour wall in July 2011. Further details on the marine construction work are available from the public register (case reference 34934/100827/2).
More information on grants is available in the European Fisheries Fund section or by calling 0300 123 1032.
Vital Southwold Harbour Project Nearing Completion
UK - A 3.2 million regeneration project at Southwold Harbour in Suffolk is almost complete.
by Lucy Towers
