Charlestown Harbour - Lock Gate Regeneration Project

Charlestown Harbour March 2025

In March 2025, we were invited to begin documenting the Charlestown Harbour Lock Gate Regeneration Project - a historically significant undertaking that had faced a slow start due to challenging winter weather conditions. Despite early setbacks, momentum quickly built, and we began capturing the project’s progress as it unfolded across the seasons. This is a truly unique opportunity to witness the restoration of one of the UK’s most iconic maritime landmarks.

Charlestown Harbour is the last open 18th-century Georgian harbour in the UK and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its cobbled walkways and historic character, the harbour has long held cultural and historical significance - not just for Cornwall, but for the nation. When Charlestown Harbour embarked on a £2 million regeneration of its aging 1971 lock gate, we knew we were witnessing a moment of heritage in the making.

Charlestown Harbour May 2025 - Lock gate being lifted out of place

Supported by a £656,047 grant from Cornwall Council via the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, this project is more than just an engineering upgrade - it’s a vital investment in safeguarding access, culture, and local livelihoods. The lock gate is the heart of the harbour, providing protection from the Atlantic and enabling year-round maritime operations and public access. Once complete, it will extend the lock gate’s life by at least another 15 years.

Our role was to conduct bi-weekly filming and photography over several months, capturing the unfolding story of this ambitious project in all weather conditions - including strong winds and storms that tested both the construction teams and our own gear. From the early groundwork through the winter’s toughest days, and into the spring of steady progress, we’ve been there to document every milestone.

Charlestown Harbour May 2025 - Lock gate removed onto awaiting barge

In April 2025, public access to the inner harbour was reinstated for the first time in years, allowing visitors to once again enjoy the historic cobbled walkways - free of charge. However, work on the lock gates themselves continues, with final completion anticipated in late 2025. The site remains an active construction zone, but each passing week brings the project closer to full realisation.

It has been an honour to play a small part in this historic regeneration effort. We look forward to sharing the final chapter later this year.

If you're planning an extended project - whether it's commercial, residential, or something entirely unique - and want to capture the process in a professional and compelling way, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch to discuss how we can help bring your story to life.