A special exhibition is to be held on Scilly seeking feedback on the proposed interior for the replacement Scillonian passenger ferry.
In June, 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 three new shipping vessels and related harbour works, is expected before the end of the year. In the meantime, preparations continue to ensure a deadline of April 1 for works to commence can be met.
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 four 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 former Wesleyan Chapel in Hugh Town from October 23-30.
