Marine skills and resource centre officially opens in Cornish town

A Marine Skills & Resource Centre opened in the Cornish town of Newlyn to expand marine training and recruitment for the region’s fishing and maritime workforce. The centre was officially unveiled on Wednesday by the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho, with Jonathan Poynter, CEO and harbour master at Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commissioners, describing it as a faster outcome achieved through partnership with the Town Deal Board and Cornwall Council. Located on The Strand, it will operate as a hub for recruiting, training and retaining talent, while Seafood Cornwall Training will deliver qualifications for new and experienced seafarers and commercial maritime personnel. The facility will also host representatives from DEFRA, including the Marine Management Organisation and CEFAS, giving direct access to regulators and scientists. Funding supports the broader Penzance Town Deal, a £21.5 million package, and construction was led by R M Developments, with management by Ward Williams and design by Poynton Bradbury Architects.