A warehouse in the centre of Porthleven is to be become a new market area for traders and the arts.

When not in use as a market it will also be used for film showings, events and exhibitions, and will be a place community groups can gather.

The Shipyard Market is due to open at the end of May, in what was once the Porthleven Metalworks warehouse.

The business has now moved out of the shipyard to the newly built industrial units at The Foundry Business Park at Methleigh Bottoms.

Now site owners Porthleven Harbour & Dock Company is in the process of converting the building to become a new indoor market for independent traders.

Hannabeth Johnson of the Porthleven Arts Community Interest Company has been the driving force behind these plans, and said she hoped to create a space where entrepreneurial and independent traders would thrive, as well as provide opportunities for artists in the local community to exhibit their work.

The building will include a large community art wall, where emerging local artists can display artwork for sale.

Hannabeth said: “Following a difficult year for independent traders, artists and the community we are excited to be able to announce a new indoor market and community art area located at the heart of The Shipyard.

"I am very excited about the plans, what they entail and hope they will bring new energy and opportunities for local micro businesses and emerging artists."

The Porthleven Harbour Market outdoor areas will reopen from April 12, while the work on the indoor market is finalised.

Anyone who would like to apply to trade at the market can visit www.porthlevenharbourmarket.com while artists wanting to exhibit and sell their work on the Porthleven Arts CIC art wall can visit www.porthlevenarts.com and become a member. Exhibition details will be sent to all art community members.

The shipyard will be at the centre of major development work after planning permission was granted for a performance space and three-storey building with proposed new medical centre on the ground floor and four residential apartments on the first and second floors.

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A spokesperson for Porthleven Harbour and Dock Company confirmed that the market was expected to stay in this location for at least the next two years, until the development reached that stage. 

She added that it was hoped the project would continue past then, and a new location would be found for it - most likely as part of the development itself.