Situated beyond the western extent of England’s mainland are the five inhabited islands of the Isles of Scilly. They are a popular tourist destination and the principal means of transport between the islands is by boat. An increase in passengers and the size of cargo boats and new safety standards meant the islands’ quays needed improvement.

Beckett Rankine developed the conceptual designs for the project in preparation for grant funding. Consideration was given to low cost and rugged construction techniques that would be suitable for the islands’ remoteness. Improved facilities for passengers were also a high priority.

The success of the project relied upon creating efficient passenger handling facilities to ensure the effective and safe transfer of passengers to and from the quays, without interfering with the cargo handling operations. Wave calming to improve access in rough weather was also required at some quays .