St Agnes, on the north coast of Cornwall, has had five harbours since the seventeenth century to serve the booming mining industry.  The last stood for 118 years until it was lost in 1915 when a breach was not repaired.  Since then there have been several attempts to rebuild it. 

Today the remains of the harbour can be seen at low tide protruding through a large area of granite stones that lie on the western side of Trevaunance Cove.  The typical holiday beach is used by families, surfers and local fishermen.  It is generally sandy with some areas of rock and is surrounded by cliffs on which are the fascinating remains of the former mining industry.

Pauline Roscoe & Associates developed a Business & Management Plan showing that rebuilding the harbour is viable and could be sustainable.    The harbour will be used by shell fishermen and also by visitors and local people for recreational boating.  Tourism will increase, bringing more employment opportunities and income to the area.

The practice assessed the work previously undertaken, carried out a cost benefit analysis of the three designs, including two variants.   

As the anticipated income derived directly from harbour will not be sufficient to cover running and maintenance costs, alternative revenue streams were investigated.  A property portfolio that might include car parking, commercial letting or wave-generated power would enable the project to be viable and provide other appropriate facilities.  

By rebuilding the harbour, the tourist season would be extended and would assist the economic well-being of an attractive village and surroundings and encourage visitors to appreciate the local heritage and special environment.

A comprehensive consultation exercise has showed almost total support, provided that existing surfing conditions are maintained and the project has long term-economic viability.