The Simmons Quay
The newly refurbished Simmons Quay was officially opened by then Hastings and Rye MP Michael Foster DL on Friday 14 July 2006.
The quay was named in recognition of the work that Ronnie Simmons, the local fisherman's representative, did to ensure the success of the project.
Around 20 boats work out of the fish quay in Rye, landing the famous Rye scallop, sole, cod and plaice. The Environment Agency's £5.8 million project to update the quay secured the successful future of fishing in Rye and safeguarded the jobs of the fishermen and others that work there.
The work greatly improved the fishermen's facilities. The ageing timber jetties have been replaced and timber clad sheds now provide modern shelter and storage facilities.
The Environment Agency, who owns the quay and is the Harbour Authority for the port of Rye, funded the work. European funding was also secured for the project with a £700,000 Harbour Grant and £1,993,000 Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance Grant.
The fishing fleet is a key part of Rye and the boats can regularly be seen sailing out to sea. The port is particularly renowned for its scallops catch whitch is celebrated each year with the Rye Bay Scallops Festival where people can sample Rye's exquisite scallops cooked and prepared in a variety of different ways by local restaurants.
Fishing has taken place at the harbour for centuries and is a core part of Rye's heritage. The Simmons Quay is open to the public so if you want to take a look then why not pop down and pay the quay a visit.