Seaside town, dubbed Britain's Magaluf, introduces prohibition of wearing mankinis to enhance respectability.
At the heart of Cornwall, Newquay, once decried as 'Britain's Magaluf', stands a rejuvenated and transformed destination. A concerted effort to restore the town's reputation has rendered it almost unrecognizable, with the ban on mankinis serving as a significant turning point.
Local business owners and residents acknowledge the remarkable transformation that has occurred in Newquay, as it shed its 'wild west' image. The coastal spot, notorious for hosting riotous stag dos, lads' holidays, and boisterous teenage gatherings, has experienced a drastic shift in atmosphere.
In 2009, the council took decisive action to counteract the town's unsavory reputation by enforcing a ban on mankinis and other inappropriate attire in public spaces. The introduction of this rule was part of the award-winning Newquay Safe campaign. This initiative came into being after the tragic loss of two teenagers during nighttime excursions in the town.
Bolstered by the Newquay Safe campaign, a potent mix of community efforts and increased policing led to a visible reduction in crime rates in the region. Devon and Cornwall Police reported a falling crime rate by one-fifth in 2012 compared to the statistics from 2009. A noteworthy decrease in reports of anti-social behavior can also be traced, plummeting from 685 to 286 during the same period.
Witnessing this transformation firsthand, long-suffering locals individually share their observations of today's Newquay being a stark contrast to its past. Independent coffee shops now line the high streets, replacing the infamous Bertie's nightclub which closed down last year. Families venture along the serene coast, engaging in surfing lessons while older residents indulge in games of bowls with a picturesque view of the beach.
The newfound tranquility of Newquay finds its reflection in the array of vintage, skate, and surf clothing stores nestled among the quaint pasty shops. However, the town's arcades remain as reminders of a bygone era.
Maddie Grover, an arcade worker, has grown up in the town and recalls the significant quieting down after the closure of Bertie's. She notes that while stag dos still occur, they are not nearly as rampant as they were before. Certain clubs today bar stag party attendees from dressing up, she explains.
Maddie confesses that there is a degree of rowdiness present in the central area of Newquay's high street but finds that the environment has become more calm and peaceful as a result. Families can be seen flocking to the arcade where she works and the town in general.
Andy, a resident in his forties, praises the town's transformation, expressing relief at no longer dreading the arrival of the "silly season" when Newquay was known for its vomit-laden high streets and littered broken glass. Andy also highlights the appeal of the "little town mentality and community" that attracts tourists.
However, Andy expresses concerns over the growing problem of second homes across Cornwall, which he argues is pushing local families out of their homes due to escalating costs.
Peron Wills, a climbing instructor from St Dennis, reflects on Newquay's nightlife in bygone days, stating that it is no longer as exciting as it used to be, although it still attracts throngs of stag parties during holidays such as New Year's and Christmas.
Mark Dixon, who has lived in Newquay for four decades, documents the decline in tourism and the rise of second homes, which led to the closure of many hotels and guest houses. He concedes that the town is far from being as busy as it once was, having witnessed the Easter holidays and October half term boom disappear.
However, Mark points to the enduring issue of rising second homes in Cornwall as a stumbling block for balanced and sustainable development in Newquay. A common complaint among the locals is that second homeowners are unsettling the neighborhoods and contributing to increasing costs.
The reimagined Newquay is, nevertheless, on the path to recapturing its former charm while ensuring a safe and family-friendly environment that welcomes all visitors, without compromising on calm and peacefulness.
- The shift in Newquay's lifestyle has expanded beyond its nightlife, with home-and-garden businesses thriving as families settle in, such as independent coffee shops and surf clothing stores.
- As travelers explore the revitalized town, they discover a unique blend of sports activities like surfing and bowls, alongside a transformed nightlife, making Newquay an attractive destination for diverse groups, including families and sports enthusiasts.
