Plymouth could get a bigger, better Fish Market at Sutton Harbour under plans being discussed with the fishing industry and key stakeholders.
Council Leader Nick Kelly called a round table discussion over two days to meet with the industry, discuss the current facilities and listen to the views of the fishers and the shore-based fishing community who run their businesses from there.
The meetings will help further shape ideas for a major redevelopment of the Fish Quay at Plymouth Fisheries in Sutton Harbour which will keep Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City as a major port of English fishing.
Aspirations to improve this facility have been discussed for many years, but we are now at a key time to progress these plans with the operators of the fish market, traders, site owners Sutton Harbour Group and fishers.
He said: “The fishing industry in Plymouth is incredibly important to the city and we must ensure we take steps to maintain and improve the facilities to ensure this sector thrives for future generations.
“The fishing industry is an important part of our history and needs to be part of our economic future.
“The current market needs to be reconfigured to provide improved and future-proof facilities for the entire fishing community of Plymouth, which is why we are working with Sutton Harbour and people such as Plymouth Trawler Agents to plan for the future. We are committed to work with the industry as the scheme develops.
“Through our Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, we are working on exciting plans to encourage more people to benefit from our coastline and waters. We see those who work at sea as well as on shore as a crucial part of the Plymouth story.”
Ideas being explored include a new fish market at Plymouth Fisheries – doubling the size of the existing building - with improved refrigeration facilities, more space for crews to carry out maintenance.
These plans will also resolve circulation conflicts between vehicles related to fishing operations and those visiting the National Marine Aquarium (NMA). The plans will also improve pedestrian routes to and from the NMA, Rockfish and the footbridge across the lock.
The revamp would also include plans for public retail space and restaurants overlooking the quay, offering a view into the workings of one of the city’s key industries.
As well as looking at design ideas the Council and Sutton Harbour Group are also planning to submit funding bids to Government to help pay for the redevelopment.
David Pessell from Plymouth Trawler Agents added: "The Council’s continued support of the industry is greatly appreciated. We are delighted that Councillor Nick Kelly and his officials met people from the industry to hear first-hand what needs to be done to create modern port facilities of which Plymouth could be proud. We look forward to working with the Council as the proposals are developed.”
The fisheries complex opened in 1995 following a substantial investment by owners Sutton Harbour Group in conjunction with Plymouth Trawler Agents, who run the daily fish auction. In 2019, the value of fish and shellfish landed at Plymouth Fisheries was £13.4 million.