A HAYLE-based charity has been fast-tracked for a £1.6 million grant to develop a key section of the town's harbour.
The Hayle Harbour Trust is hoping to secure the grant from the Coastal Community Fund, which invited the trust to reapply for a share of its £27.8 million pile after its initial attempt to secure part of 2012's funding was turned down.
The charity had previously tried to obtain cash to fund the development of its dilapidated East Quay, and now has a renewed opportunity after a second round of funding was opened for 2013.
After an original application failed due to a "lack of detailed planning permission", the Hayle Harbour Trust has refined its plans and chairman John Bennett feels the charity is now in a far better position to succeed.
"We are excited to have another opportunity to apply for this fund," he said. "After what we learned from our first application, we feel extremely well placed to succeed this time around."
The trust now has more time to plan for its redevelopment strategy and has also secured the support of the award-winning architects Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios for the design.
Mr Bennett said he was set to meet with members of Cornwall Council to discuss the plans earlier this week.
"We need to chat about the outside of the building," he said. "We know pretty much what we are going to do. The key thing is to get the planning permission."
Mr Bennett emphasised that the trust had been fast-tracked to stage two of the proposals, explaining that only one in ten applicants get through to the "complicated stage".
Now, the team hope to take 2012's evaluation on board and address the issues that prevented the charity from obtaining the £1.6 million previously.
A decision for the project could be made as early as August of this year, which would then give Hayle Harbour Trust two years to complete its project.
It is said that the redevelopment would create more than 50 permanent employment opportunities, as well as securing current jobs in the area and paving the way for future economic progress.
Jo Wright, a partner at Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios, said: "We very much hope that we can help in securing the funding for this exciting project – and we hope to continue supporting the regeneration of Hayle Harbour."
