More details have been revealed about the Government’s £7.85million to pay for upgrades at Cornwall Airport Newquay.

It was announced this week that the Government had provided the funding to Cornwall Council to improve the airport ahead of the G7 summit in June.

The money is being used to carry out works at the airport to ensure it can accommodate aircraft which will transport world leaders and their teams to Cornwall for the G7 summit which is being held at Carbis Bay.

Cornwall Council has since explained that the money is being used to strengthen and improve the lighting, taxiways and apron of the airport so that aircraft for the G7 can use the airport.

However it has now been explained that as well as meeting the requirements of the G7 the funding and improvements will also support the plans for Spaceport Cornwall.

Secretary of State for transport, Grant Shapps said: “This significant funding package will ensure that the right infrastructure is in place for us to welcome the world leaders to UK soil this summer.

“Looking beyond the immediate buzz generated by the G7 summit, this investment will also drive local growth for years to come by creating the UK’s first spaceport – helping us all prosper as we look to Build Back Better and with greater aspirations following the pandemic.”

Some of the works will be undertaken by Cormac, which is part of Cornwall Council owned Corserv group.

Peter Andrew, Corserv Group Chairman, said: “We’re incredibly proud that the delivery of these works and the wider G7 logistics will be a real Cornish team effort, bringing together the skills and expertise of our partners at Cormac and Cornwall Development Company, supporting local jobs and allowing as many colleagues as possible to contribute to the success of this once-in-a-lifetime event.

“In addition to ensuring that world leaders can arrive for the G7 Summit in Cornwall, this investment will unlock unprecedented long-term benefits for Cornwall Airport Newquay as it emerges from the pandemic and sets a new course for a sustainable future.

“As well as improving the efficiency of aircraft ground movements through the commissioning of new aprons and taxiways, it paves the way for us to welcome the next generation of aviation and aerospace businesses, Including Project 2Zero, which will be among the first to make use of these enhanced facilities when it begins pioneering trials of electric and hybrid commuter aircraft right here in the South West under the Government’s Future Flight Challenge.”

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership said: “We welcome the announcement of government funding for Cornwall Airport Newquay, and news that the work will be carried out by Cornish companies – it’s important that the benefits of hosting such a prestigious event are felt across Cornwall, not only in those areas directly involved. This represents the first in what we hope will be a series of government investments that will help secure a lasting legacy for Cornwall as we prepare to host the G7.

“The airport is a vital part of our infrastructure, connecting residents and businesses alike to the rest of the UK and Europe. The upgrades made possible by this funding will help secure its future and lay the foundations for the Cornwall Spaceport, as well as encouraging investment in our cutting edge tech sector.”