Newquay Cornwall Airport today, 26 November 2008, launched its draft Airport Masterplan - setting out its long term vision for future development out to 2030. The publication of the document, which is supported by a number of technical annexes, marks the start of a public consultation on these plans that will continue through to the end of January 2009.
Cornwall County Council, which currently operates the Airport as a civilian enclave within RAF St. Mawgan, will take over full ownership of the airfield from the RAF in December. The Council's plans for the Airport, the fastest growing in the UK this year, include continued growth of passenger services, commercialisation of the estate it will acquire from MoD on transition for a range of aviation related uses and ensuring Newquay becomes the greenest, most sustainable airport in the UK. The Masterplan sets out how the high environmental standards for the Airport will be delivered alongside commercial development that will make it a flagship transformational project for Cornwall's economy and one which will create a significant number of new jobs, improve connectivity for Cornish business and help to attract inward investment.
The Masterplan sets out comprehensive plans for the commercialisation of the Airport including proposals for new and refurbished hangars to attract aircraft maintenance and aircraft recycling businesses, a combined 4 Star hotel, conference and exhibition centre and an airport business park. Between them, these proposals have the potential to create a large number of new high skilled jobs and increased income for the Cornish economy.
The document also outlines options for new terminal capacity, including the possibility of a new passenger terminal to the south of the runway. It is envisaged the new terminal would be linked to a new educational complex comprising an aviation academy for school leavers and those seeking re-training, and an associated Discovery Centre that will focus on interesting school age children in maths, science and sustainable development.
The Masterplan also makes provision for improved public transport, additional parking for passengers and visitors to the Airport, car hire, support services including in-flight catering and cargo.
Andrew Mitchell, the council's Economy Portfolio Holder, explained "The proposals aim to create a thriving, commercially successful regional airport, which is the focal point for a major strategic employment area and a key driver of the whole Cornish economy."
He continued:
"The Government's Air Transport White paper recognised that air travel is essential to the continued growth of the UK economy. Given the County's peripheral location within Europe and the long surface travel times to other major cities within the UK, the availability of good air services is, if anything, even more important to Cornwall, especially if it is to attract the high value tourism, knowledge-based businesses and inward investment that are the key to a prosperous economic future.
Having our own airport will also make it easier for local residents to get away on holiday, to see friends and relatives or to attend major sporting and cultural events without the need for long surface journeys or the inconvenience of travelling to other airports "
The core Masterplan document is accompanied by five technical annexes: a Forecasting and Sensitivity Analysis, an Appraisal of Economic Benefits, a draft Airport Surface Access Strategy, an Environmental Management Strategy and a Carbon Impact Study.
Discussing the Airport's environmental plans, Chris Cain the Airport's Project Director highlighted, "The Airport has already invested in electric ramp vehicles, purchased part of its electricity supply from "clean sources" and has appointed an all bio-diesel taxi operator. Our future plans include a wide range of other initiatives which will help to make the Airport carbon neutral by 2015 in terms of its terminal and airfield operations."
A copy of the draft Masterplan together with displays, summary leaflets and a posting box for comments will be provided at the Airport from 1 December. The Airport's website www.cornwallnewquayairport.com will provide an online portal for feedback with downloadable versions of the Masterplan and supporting documents, which are also available for purchase on CD or in hard copy.
Community involvement and consultation throughout the next few months will be an important part of the Masterplan process, which will be promoted through exhibitions at venues across the county and completed when the final version of the Masterplan is published in spring 2009.
Chris Cain emphasised, "Cornwall County Council is committed to seeking the views of stakeholders on the Masterplan including local communities, businesses, tourism and regeneration agencies and local and regional government representatives so that we can understand any concerns they may have. We look forward to receiving a wide range of views, which we hope will support, but also challenge and improve our proposals. "
The DoD has changed its structures and is been increasing efforts to facilitate access to loans by companies interested in working with artificial intelligence, advanced materials and semiconductors, biotechnology and quantum science.
India has approved millions of dollars in new military purchases, most of which will go to public sector companies.
The main obstacles to overcoming risks in the region are a lack of a strong cybersecurity culture and inadequate funds to invest in this domain given a widespread Chinese presence in the region.
MBDA is adapting to supply chain pressures as the Russian invasion of Ukraine leads to increased demand for armaments.
Despite the additional funding promised this week, the UK armed forces still look set to face cutbacks, and maintaining international commitments to AUKUS and GCAP may limit the options for other programmes.
This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, senior naval reporter Harry Lye and military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann chat with Professor John Louth.
Connect with us on socials
