Newlyn Old Harbour removed from Heritage at Risk Register

Newlyn Old Harbour, a key part of one of the county’s most important fishing ports since the 19th century, has been saved thanks to a project supported by Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund.

The restoration, led by Harbour Commissioner Nick Howell and involving local specialists and the wider community, has preserved the harbour’s historic granite structures and 19th-century iron railings.

The harbour will now continue to serve historic fishing vessels and host maritime and artistic events.

Paul Durkin, chairman of Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commissioners, said: "We are delighted to see the Old Harbour removed from the Heritage at Risk Register.

"Historic England's funding and expertise, together with the work of local specialists and our community, led by Harbour Commissioner Nick Howell, have given the Old Harbour a future as well as a past.

"Historic vessels and community groups are already full of ideas for events, and we look forward to welcoming people back to where it all started."

With the completion of the restoration work, Newlyn Old Harbour has now been officially removed from the Heritage at Risk Register.

Before: How the Red Lion Slip at Newlyn Old Harbour looked before work was carried out. (Image: Steven Baker/Historic England Archive)

After: The Red Lion slip at Newlyn Old Harbour resurfaced with new Cornish granite setts. (Image: Historic England Archive)

Jonathan Poynter, CEO and harbour master at Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commissioners, said: "The Old Harbour is where Newlyn's story as a fishing port began, over 700 years ago.

"With Historic England's support, we have gone well beyond the plan of simply bringing it back into use.

"Nick with his team of specialists and volunteers have restored the 19th-century iron rings and railings with matching materials and uncovered a plethora of details that have been hidden for years beneath repairs, vegetation and decay.

"It is once again a living, working part of Newlyn Harbour."

The news comes as Historic England unveils its 2026 Heritage at Risk Register today (November 5). 

The register identifies historic sites across England that are at risk due to neglect, decay, or inappropriate development.

Claudia Kenyatta and Emma Squire, co-CEOs of Historic England, said: "Our historic buildings and places help tell the story of where we live and contribute to the character and identity of local communities.

"Each year, the Heritage at Risk Register showcases the positive impact that restoring and reusing these special places can have.

"The most effective way to protect our buildings is to bring them back into use as places that create connection and enjoyment for local people.

"The sites saved and removed from the Register this year show what can be achieved when partners and communities work together to deliver positive, lasting change.

"By working together, we can protect our heritage for generations to come."

Newlyn Old Harbour has been removed from the Heritage at Risk Register by Historic England after restoration. (Image: Historic England Archive)

Places that need help include the Corn Exchange in Bristol, once the centre of the city's trade and now part of the much loved St Nicholas Market, as well as Market Hall in Dursley, an 18th century town hall with an open market area at ground level and town hall above.    

Over the past year, 43 historic buildings and sites have been added to the Register because Historic England believes they are at risk of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.  

The conservation of Newlyn Old Harbour stands as an example of what can be achieved through collaboration between heritage bodies, local communities, and skilled professionals.

It also highlights the ongoing need for investment and care to protect the nation’s historic environment.

Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross also welcomed the removal of Newlyn Harbour from the register.

She said: "Every part of the UK is bursting with history, so it is vital we protect the heritage sites at the heart of communities which help tell the stories of our nation.

"The Heritage at Risk Register plays a crucial role in identifying these historic places that need our support.

"It’s fantastic to see the much-loved site of Newlyn Harbour removed from the list this year, having received a grant from our Heritage at Risk Capital Fund.

"However, this year’s register is an important reminder of the pressures facing our historic environment, from ageing buildings and structural deterioration to the impacts of extreme weather.

"I want us to build on our progress to ensure our heritage is protected for generations to come."