The beloved Cornish town of Falmouth is set for a major transformation with a £23 million redevelopment project aimed at enhancing its waterfront and tourism infrastructure.
Named the UK’s "prettiest" and "coolest" seaside destination by Time Out, the town is expected to get a snazzy upgrade. Located on Cornwall’s south coast, Falmouth is already a magnet for staycationers and cruise ship visitors, thanks to its stunning coastline, rich maritime history, and lively town centre. But the upcoming upgrade promises to boost its appeal even further.
At the heart of the plans is a comprehensive revamp of Falmouth’s docklands, with proposals submitted by the Falmouth Docks and Engineering Company (FDEC) to Cornwall Council.
The project aims to modernise aging infrastructure, including the cruise dock, turning it into a state-of-the-art facility ready to accommodate larger cruise ships and luxury vessels.
The redevelopment includes dredging the harbour, expanding berthing capacity, and revamping ship repair facilities.
A new superyacht basin, modern workshops, and commercial retail units, such as the transformation of the former Marks & Spencer building on Market Quay, are also planned.
A FDEC spokesperson said: "This is the biggest civil engineering project for the docks since the 1950s.
"It’s about securing Falmouth’s place as a modern maritime hub for the 21st century."
Falmouth’s docks, which once featured in Brad Pitt’s 2011 film World War Z, have long been integral to the town’s identity.
But following the demolition of the King’s and Empire jetties two decades ago, berthing capacity has suffered, leading to what’s been described as a "musical berths" crisis.
Beyond the docks, Falmouth continues to offer something for everyone - beach lovers, adventurers, history buffs, and foodies alike.
From diving schools and wildlife cruises to Pendennis Castle and award-winning eateries, the town blends seaside charm with cultural richness.
If approved, the redevelopment could make Falmouth even more of a tourism powerhouse—proving that even the UK’s prettiest coastal town still has room to shine brighter.
