Town Quay

A Town Quay is a type of quay, typically located within or serving a town or urban area. It functions as a landing place or wharf for boats and ships, primarily used for the loading and unloading of goods and passengers. Town Quays often historically served as vital points of commerce and transport, connecting the town to regional or international trade networks via waterways. Their significance varied depending on the size of the town, its location, and the volume of maritime traffic it supported.

A Town Quay is often distinguished from other quays by its direct association with the civic life and economy of the town it serves. It may feature infrastructure specifically designed to facilitate trade and passenger transport for the local population, such as warehouses, customs houses, and passenger terminals. These areas frequently become focal points for social and economic activity within the town.

The term can also refer to a specific place name; many towns and cities with maritime histories have areas that are officially named "Town Quay" or a variation thereof. In these instances, the name signifies the historical or current location of the town's primary waterfront facility.