Cornwall Council’s Plans for Cornwall Airport Newquay: Hundreds of Jobs and Carbon Neutral Goals

Cornwall Council has reaffirmed its dedication to the future operation of Cornwall Airport Newquay and the development of surrounding land and the accompanying business park, aiming to create hundreds of new jobs in Mid Cornwall.

Ensuring the Airport’s Future

Working alongside potential partners, Cornwall Council has been exploring a joint venture that will both sustain the airport’s operations and foster economic growth. Throughout this process, the council has made clear its commitment to keeping the airport open. According to the council, its potential partner shares this commitment, stating they have “no intention to close the Airport now or in the future given the valuable infrastructure it provides.” Additionally, Cornwall Council emphasised that residential development on the site is not part of the proposals.

Key Priorities for Development

The plans for Cornwall Airport Newquay are guided by several “non-negotiable Red Lines” to ensure that any future development achieves the following objectives:

• Create employment opportunities across various skill levels.
• Maximise the airport’s economic impact on the region.
• Ensure the airport’s continued operation.
• Minimise costs for Cornish taxpayers.
• Attract significant investment to the airport estate.
• Present a strategy for achieving carbon-neutral ground operations.

Joint Venture and Public Consultation

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for the economy, highlighted the council’s progress, saying: “Our ambition was to find the right partner, which we have done, and our aim remains to create some form of joint venture with them that will ensure the airport has a sustainable financial footing, reducing the cost to Cornish residents, whilst ensuring that the airport stays open.

“The red lines we have drawn for any potential deal will ensure these ambitions are met.”

Louis also addressed recent public feedback, referring to comments in the media as “ill-informed” and not reflective of the current status of discussions.

In September, a high-level Land Use Blueprint developed in collaboration with Adynaton and Westcore was shared as part of a public consultation. Feedback from the consultation will play a key role in the final decision-making process.

Next Steps

Negotiations with the potential partner are ongoing, with Cornwall Council’s Cabinet expected to review a formal proposal early next year. Until then, the council remains focused on securing a deal that aligns with its commitments to sustainability, economic growth, and the interests of local residents.

More details are expected in the coming months as negotiations progress.