An upcoming aerospace park in Newquay, Cornwall is to receive a grant from a national funding pot, Eric Pickles confirmed this week.
Pickles, the communities secretary, revealed that the area’s planned ‘Aerohub’ had been recognised as an official Enterprise Zone (EZ). This certification forms part of a government scheme designed to boost the fortunes of British businesses.
The money designated to the project will go towards the creation of the 90-acre park and an anticipated 500 new jobs for local aerospace specialists. This should all happen within the next 18 months, thisiscornwall.co.uk reports. It is not yet known whether any businesses that set up shop in the Aerohub will work towards AS9100 certification, but if they show a commitment to quality, it may well form part of their future plans.
The project could provide an economical boost to the region (which is known for being a vital part of the UK’s aerospace industry) and the fortunes of local job seekers.
Eventually, some 2,500 jobs could be opened up to the public as a result of the build. The portfolio holder for economy and culture at Cornwall Council, Julian German, commented on lepnetwork.org.uk: “This funding would help enable Aerohub @ Newquay Cornwall Airport to realise its potential and could result in over 500 jobs on the EZ by 2015, allowing for a greater acceleration and expansion of the existing programme.”
Plus the chair of the Cornwall and Isle of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, Chris Pomfret, confirmed that the Aerohub’s bid to become an EZ had been declared “one of the strongest” out of all the applications received.
