Inside Hayle's 'doomed' North Quay project as work begins again

The failure of one of Cornwall's largest regeneration projects could be erased within the next five years and what is now an abandoned eyesore could soon be the must-be place in Cornwall. That's the vision of Adam Gaymer, the managing director of developers Arpenteur, the development and consultancy business who were appointed as development managers to deliver the project for the funders after the original North Quay project collapsed at the beginning of the year.

Arpenteur took over the site left gated, locked up and abandoned after failed businessman Simon Wright and his companies went into administration in January this year, leaving a huge trail of debts of up to £132m in his wake. Moorfields Advisory administrators were appointed to sort out the mess left behind and chose Arpenteur for the task a few months later.

Now called Hayle North Quay, the scheme will see 520 private and affordable homes, shops, restaurants, offices and commercial spaces created by 2030.

Before Mr Wright's Sennybridge company went bust in January 2024, 46 homes - including 29 apartments and 17 houses - had already been built and are occupied. However by the time the site was shut down by the administrators, much of what is known as the Wharf area was left unfinished and looked like a bomb site.

"The cranes were supposed to go this month but that was delayed by Storm Bert," Adam told us as he gave us an exclusive tour of the project. "They'll be gone in December. It was something the Hayle Town Council asked us to do. They represent the past and I can guarantee you that the previous people behind the project are gone. They are out of the picture. We have a new team, with greater and more diverse experience to bring a complex regeneration scheme like this forward."

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Adam told us that what is so far built on the Wharf will not be demolished but will remain as it is until work on that particular phase is expected to start again by this time next year. First, Arpenteur will be going back to the drawing board to fine-tune some of the designs for the building and other parts of the scheme, which they say will be more in keeping with what the community wants and what the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) are happy with, considering that the Hayle North Quay project sits in the middle of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.

Meanwhile, work is nearly complete on Copper House, a block of 12 apartments on the other side of the road from the Wharf at The Yard. Donning our hard hat and PPE kit, we had an exclusive behind-the-scenes look inside the building and at the showroom apartment, which has already been completed. The site is still under construction. A lift was being installed, finishing touches and interior work were being done on some of the apartments, and landscaping was being done outside.

Some of the views out the windows are of the building site at The Yard and of those ugly cranes. But there is no doubt that when The Yard is sorted out, and the public realm connecting the two buildings and the river is done and occupied, the apartments will enjoy some stunning views over the river towards Lelant.

Adam said Copper House will be completed in January and could see new owners move in soon after. To speed the overall project along, he said that each phase of the build will be put to tender so different teams can get on with different parts of the scheme at once, something which might not have been possible if Arpenteur had decided to have its own in-house team of builders as was the case with Sennybridge.

Part of the next phase will focus on what is known as Hilltop and Riviere Fields where most of the homes are going to be built. Some 207 homes and 47 apartments - of which 93 will be affordable - will be built on Riviere Fields and 43 on the Hilltop.

"We've reduced the overall built area by 25 per cent on the Hilltop," Adam said, "so it is more sympathetic to the natural environment and is more about family homes when before it had oversized executive homes."

A reserved matters planning application has now gone before Cornwall Council (PA21/04772) for the Eastern Gateway, East Quay and Hilltop with a view that the work can start towards the end of next year or early into 2026 on the Hilltop housing development. The hotel will be part of the next phase of development too.

Adam added: "We are pleased that the revised plans for Hilltop have been well received by the body representing the World Heritage Site and we look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with the community and stakeholders to make this vision a reality."

He added that the hotel, which will be open all year round, is key to creating jobs and attracting visitors to Hayle, which he believes can only benefit the local economy.

He added: "We are committed to delivering the Hayle North Quay development. Ensuring it brings lasting benefits to Hayle and the vibrant coastal community. We are keen to deliver the hotel in the next phase due to the benefits it will offer the local community and Hayle Town – supporting employment and tourism all year round."

Both restaurant and sauna have been successful, and Arpenteur is looking at how businesses such as these can carry once the full Hayle North Quay scheme is complete.

Jem Wallis, who runs Escape to the Sauna, said: "Since we arrived at North Quay in September, we’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response to our location. Nestled right by the estuary, it’s not only a stunning spot to unwind with views across to Lelant and St Uny’s Church, but it’s also a safe and beautiful swimming spot—perfect for those who enjoy a dip before or after their sauna.

"Being part of the North Quay community has been a wonderful journey. We’ve been building strong links with other local businesses, like Gilbert’s, whose café perfectly complements what we offer. Together, we’re creating a hub where people can come to relax, connect, and enjoy everything this incredible area has to offer.

"As our business continues to grow, we’re excited to deepen our ties with the community and play a part in making North Quay a destination for wellbeing and rejuvenation.”

Lastly, one of the final pieces of the jigsaw that will come into place will involve the redevelopment of what is known as Eastern Gateway, Stable Block and East Quay where an art gallery, cinema, workshop space and fishery workshop space will be built.

Adam said: "This has been a 20- to 30-year vision to redevelop this part of Hayle. It came to planning in 2010, and the work started under the previous owners in 2019. This is such a complex site in the middle of a World Heritage site. The construction industry is having a difficult time at the moment, but our aim is to complete this project within the next four to five years. That's our vision."

To keep up to date with the development check out Hayle North Quay's website at https://haylenorthquay.co.uk/our-plans/

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