Penzance's South Pier given upgraded heritage status

English Heritage says South Pier is among the best preserved harbours

The heritage status of a pier in Cornwall has been upgraded by English Heritage.

The South Pier at Penzance harbour was already a Grade II listed building, but it has now been given Grade II* status.

It means the historical significance of the pier is of particularly importance.

The upgraded listing will be one of the factors the government will have to take into account before deciding if the harbour can be redeveloped.

Funding doubt

The development is part of a larger project to provide a new ferry link from the Cornish mainland to the Isles of Scilly.

The project itself could be in doubt, as earlier this month Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said "tough decisions" had to be made and no assurances could be given over funding for the £44m ferry terminal.

South Pier is one of only 5.5% of listed buildings to be given Grade II* status.

English Heritage said it was one of the best preserved early Cornish harbours.