FALMOUTH could have what is believed to be its first ever floating restaurant, as part of exciting new improvement plans.

Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (FHC), the statutory body responsible for managing Falmouth Harbour, have revealed the plans which focus on the North Quay area of the harbour, which sits to the west of Custom House Quay.

Mark Sansom, chief executive of Falmouth Harbour Commissioners said: “This project will help us to create new facilities for which we know there is strong market demand.

"The pontoons in Custom House Quay basin have been heavily oversubscribed, and we have a substantial waiting list for small boat berths here, so until now we have had to turn customers away. The extension will enable us to welcome more visitors to Falmouth and by offering a floating dining experience, we will diversify our business and strengthen the sustainable prosperity of the harbour.

“The new small craft pontoon system will give a new purpose to our historic quays and, in combination with the restaurant and other facilities, further increase the vibrancy and offering of this area.”

Through an extension to the North West breakwater, additional visitor berthing pontoons will be added to make it more convenient for boats to visit Falmouth, and thanks to the shelter that this extension provides, the quay basin will be transformed into berthing for small boats, with additional small craft berthing facilities created alongside the access bridge.

The entire pontoon system will also be shifted approximately 10 metres to the east creating a berth for a barge which has been converted into a floating restaurant.

Whilst maintaining security, the access bridge is to be lengthened to provide improved access to the marina.

The plans also include the provision of a new pump out facility which will be available for public use and will help improve water quality in the harbour.

A planning application will be made shortly, and a marine licence sought.

It is anticipated that, if the applications are successful, the plans will be delivered by June 2020. The total budget for the project is £350,000.

Plans will be available for inspection in the Falmouth Haven Marina office from today.