A £42 million project to regenerate five Cornish harbours by transforming their waterfronts is to be scrutinised by lottery funding chiefs later this month. Newlyn, Falmouth, Looe, Newquay and Portreath harbours are all involved in the Cornish Harbours Project, which is hoping to get a grant of up to £25 million from the National Lottery's Living Landmarks programme.

The joint project involves community user groups, harbour authorities, Cornwall College, five district councils and the county council.

Andrew Mitchell, economy spokesman for the county council, said: "Cornwall remains one of Europe's most deprived areas, and while much of the rural coastline is in the stewardship of the National Trust, many coastal communities are still struggling to find ways to face social, economic and environmental challenges."

The proposals include a new fish market for Newlyn, a promenade for East Looe seafront, events area for Newquay, community marina for Portreath and refurbishing a pier and providing a marine college at Falmouth.