Penzance Heliport secures £1.9m EU funding
Penzance Heliport has secured nearly £1.9 million from the European Regional Development Fund.
Work is under way on the facility, with the helicopter service linking Penzance and the islands expected to launch in spring 2020.
The remainder of the £4.3 million project costs will be from private investment, with Tresco Estate and the Dorrien-Smith family the largest investors.
Penzance Heliport Ltd said that preparation work has now commenced on the site at Jelbert Way, following an archaeological survey completed by the Cornwall Archaeological Unit (pictured below). The preparatory works include drainage and the removal of a section of hedge to allow for the helicopter landing area. The removed sections of hedge will be replaced by almost four times as much similar habitat.
Following a tender process, West Cornwall contractor Symons Construction was selected to complete the preparatory work. The main contractor will be announced soon, with construction expected to begin in April 2019.
Robert Dorrien-Smith from Penzance Heliport Ltd said: “We’re delighted the Isles of Scilly will once again benefit from European investment in its transport infrastructure. This European funding, alongside the record support from islanders, visitors, businesses and agencies on the islands and further afield, shows the importance of Penzance Heliport to the future growth of the Isles of Scilly.”
Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly Robert Francis said: “Excellent transport infrastructure is vital to the social and economic future of our islands. Today’s announcement of European support for Penzance Heliport will further strengthen our island transport links for a thriving island community.”
ERDF funding has previously supported other Isles of Scilly infrastructure projects including airport redevelopment at Land’s End and St Mary’s and quay upgrades at Penzance and St Mary’s.
Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly qualifies for additional funding because its economic performance is below 75% of the European Union average.
Tickets for the new helicopter service will be available from summer 2019 at www.penzanceheliport.co.uk.