Cornwall Newquay Airport close to development plan : : FLYER

Cornwall Council is on the verge of signing a partnership agreement to develop the 650-acre Cornwall Airport Newquay – formerly RAF St Mawgan site by 2008.

However, “Red Lines” are in place, “top and number one” being the continued operation of the airport, said Cllr Louis Gardner, who presented an interim report to Cornwall Council yesterday, June 12.

“I know from talking to the business community in Cornwall that the airport is seen as a vital link, not only to London but to the rest of the UK and Europe,” said Cllr Gardner.

“The figures in the report highlight this, with passenger numbers up to 440,000 last year. This represents a return to near pre-pandemic levels.

A recording of the Cornwall Council meeting is available. This is Cllr Louis Gardner presenting the airport report

“The economic impact of the airport is £72 million a year – this is a huge contribution to both the Cornwall economy and the success of the aerospace sector, which pays higher wages than the Cornish average and wages in that local neighbourhood.

“But the airport could do even more for the economy and that’s what it’s all about. It’s not – and I’ll be clear – it’s not about closing the airport, as some have suggested, and it’s not about Cornwall Council somehow washing their hands of the airport – nothing could be further from the truth.”

Referring to the £4m grant paid out by Cornwall Council each year, Cllr Gardner said: “While this is a good investment in terms of the economic impact of £72m, this is money that The council could invest them in other statutory priorities if we can be innovative and find a new operating model.

“To start this process, Cornwall Airport and the Council asked property experts CBRE as early as 2022 to review our approach to managing the airport.

“I want to be absolutely clear about the red lines (referring to the partnership agreement). Are:

1. To ensure the continued operation of Cornwall Newquay Airport
2. To maximize the airport’s economic impact
3. To minimize the financial burden on the Cornwall taxpayer
4. To attract investment in airport property.

The name of the “preferred partner” the council intends to work with has not been released. However, according to The Falmouth Packet news site, is Westcore Europe, already known in General Aviation as the asset manager of Fairoaks Airfield.

A recorded webcast of the Cornwall Council meeting on 12 June 2024 is available here. The portion about Newquay Airport starts at 41:30.

A final report on all aspects of the agreement will be presented to the Council’s Cabinet in the autumn. It is unclear whether that report will be made public.

Cornwall Newquay Airport