In June 2021, the Council of the Isles of Scilly submitted a Levelling Up Fund bid to government for a vessel replacement programme. If successful, the bid will see the Council working with the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, Tresco Estate, Duchy of Cornwall and Cornwall Council (as the owners of Penzance Harbour) to bring much needed investment to the islands’ maritime transport links. A decision on the bid, which includes a proposal for 3 new shipping vessels and related harbour works, is expected before the end of the year. In the meantime, preparations must continue to ensure we can meet the 1 April 2022 deadline for works to commence.
As part of these preparations, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group and the Council of the Isles of Scilly are hosting an exhibition where the public are invited to view presentations of the proposed interior of the passenger vessel and try 4 different types of seating options. Feedback forms will be available to capture comments on the designs and to ensure views are taken into consideration as the design process develops. The exhibition will also include presentations on propulsion systems and the proposed community benefits to the islands should the bid be successful.
The display has been funded through a government grant given to the council to progress the bid. The sample seating has been provided free of charge by the manufacturers, with transportation funded by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group.
The exhibition will take place in the Wesleyan Chapel from 10am to 3pm on Saturday 23 October and again from Monday 25 to Saturday 30 October.
