The Council took a decision in June this year to enter into an ‘exclusivity agreement’ with a potential commercial partner to develop Cornwall Newquay airport. This was a commercial exercise following a strategic review of options. The Exclusivity Agreement allows the Council to consult widely with the business community on the rationale, potential partnership approach and a proposed Land Use Blueprint which will be a concept plan and accompanying narrative that will describe the intentions for the development of the airport and the wider airport site.
The Chamber of Commerce was pleased to hear at the newly formed ‘Economic Forum*’ on the 11th July that the Council have committed to engaging fully with businesses across Cornwall. The Council have also committed to providing insight into the Red Lines outlined in the Airport Strategic Review to satisfy the desire from businesses that any partnership with the private sector will be predicated on growth of the airport, maintaining regular routes to and from major cities in the UK and beyond and the continuation of the specialist management by Cornwall Airport Limited which runs the airport on behalf of Cornwall Council.
Through the Economic Forum the Council have agreed to immediately meet with the Board of the Chamber of Commerce (as well as other business representative organisations) as soon as possible and have extended this invite to other representative groups. These ‘round table’ sessions will be hosted by Cllr Louis Gardner who is Cornwall Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy and Skills. These early meetings will help explain the objectives, logic and process for the current proposals.
Over the Summer period a potential partnership agreement is being worked up as well as a Land Use Blueprint which will describe at concept level the types of development and commercial activity that the Council and a potential partner will pursue. The Council has also committed to engagement in both of these respects in September before a final report is taken to the Council’s Cabinet.
The Council will ensure that it provides sufficient information so that business understands the nature of the potential deal as well as the commitments and benefits of the proposed partner and will reflect on any comments from businesses before a final decision is made.
Cllr Louis Gardner, portfolio holder for the economy, and John Brown, the new CEO of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce
ENDS
Posted 15 July, 2024