New lock gate installed in storm-hit harbour

The installation of a new lock gate in a harbour battered by storms last year has started.

The operation at Charlestown Harbour in Cornwall began in the early hours so the gate could be floated into position and lifted on its bearings with the tide.

In September 2024 the previous gate was damaged by storms, resulting in the harbour becoming tidal and resident boats being evacuated.

Owner Rolf Munding, who bought Charlestown Harbour in 2018, said he had wanted to "build a safe haven for classic boats" but the project had faced delays.

The installation of the gate was due to take place in October but was postponed by various unfavourable conditions.

Mr Munding said: "This has been a project which from the very beginning has been assaulted by the wind, the weather, storms, mud, you name it.

"I've done a few things I can assure you that rely on outside forces, but never one like this."

Mr Munding said it would take about 10 days to get the gate completely in-situ.

"It will have to lie there in the mud and go up and down with the tide because it's full of air," he said.

"Historically the gate has been raised and lowered with winches.

"Those winches are also being specially made and specially designed and will be ready to be fitted in January, so by February we should have a harbour that operates in same way that it did when I bought it."

Claire London, an artist who works on the harbour, said fixing the gates was really important for tourists and independent businesses.

"It's been a really tough year, not just the people who live here, [but] the people who work here as well because there's been a lot of noise," she said.

"Hopefully this is going to be a massive thing for Charlestown next year, everybody's talking about it already and getting excited that it's going to be booming and the boats coming in and out and the tourists are going to come back."

Resident Maria Strookman said it was nice to have the harbour looking more scenic.

"It's long overdue because we've been without a bridge for I think it's about two years," she said.

"It's just nice to be able to walk across the bridge really... and none of the barriers, none of the machinery."

Charlestown Harbour said the lock gate was "a vital part of the Georgian harbour's infrastructure" as it managed both vessel access and water levels.

Once in place, Charlestown Harbour will remain full of water all year round, he said.

The Lock Gate Regeneration Project had costed more than £2m and represents one of the largest single investments in the harbour's history, it said.

Mr Munding said he had funded the majority of the project but there had also been a grant of about £650,000.

"The harbour has been a real labour of love, an emotional rollercoaster at times and an enormous investment, but I'm incredibly proud that we're now able to restore it to a fully functioning port and secure its future," he said.

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