Newquay Airport Then and Now

Kemp has a long-standing relationship with Newquay Airport, supporting its evolution from a former RAF base into one of Cornwall’s key transport hubs. Over more than two decades, our team has been involved in everything from early infrastructure changes through to high-profile international events, playing a small but important role in the airport’s ongoing development.

Back in 2009, the transition from RAF St Mawgan to Newquay Airport was completed following investment from the European Union and Cornwall Council to upgrade the facility to meet CAA requirements. However, Kemp’s involvement at the site actually predates this, with our earliest works going back to 2002 when the car parking was being reconfigured.

From 2007 to 2010, we had a permanent presence on site, led by our Survey Manager Dave Wallington, supporting Cormac through the transition works. This was a major programme that included repositioning the control tower, severing services and utilities from the military infrastructure, and making alterations to the runway and navigation systems. New security fencing was installed alongside a number of other additions including a new arrivals hall, café and executive lounge.

The runway itself, stretching close to 3km, was also resurfaced during this time. We worked closely with Air Traffic Control to survey it between flights, achieving a level tolerance of just 3mm.

In 2011, Kemp surveyed and set out the Southern Access Road, opening up access to the commercial and industrial areas on the western side of the runway and supporting the development of the Aerohub business park. We then went on to support WBM with infrastructure setting out across the site.

Our work at the airport continued in 2013 and 2014 with a site-wide utility investigation, identifying legacy services and drainage systems remaining from its RAF days.

In 2021, when the G7 was hosted at Carbis Bay, Dave returned to site to assist with adaptations to the taxiways, ensuring the airport could accommodate Air Force One and other aircraft carrying world leaders.

Cornwall Air Ambulance, which is a vital resource to local people, is also based at the southern end of the runway and we have supported the facility since its construction, providing surveys, setting out and utility mapping. Most recently, our engineering surveyors have been back on site through the winter of 2025 into 2026, continuing to assist with ongoing improvements and preparing areas for future development.

It’s a site we know well and one we’re always pleased to return to. Supporting Newquay Airport means playing a small part in keeping Cornwall connected, whether that’s for business, tourism or vital services, and it’s something we’re proud to be involved in.