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| Image Penzance Heliport |
Penzance Heliport Ltd received a massive boost from the European Union this week after being awarded £1.8 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). This new investment brings the restoration of a helicopter link between the Scilly Isles and Penzance a big step forward.
The remainder of the £4.3 million needed to complete the project will come from private investment, with Tresco Estate and the Dorrien-Smith family the largest investors.
Penzance Heliport hopes to reinstate the air link between Penzance and the islands of St Mary’s and Tresco, with flights expected to begin in spring 2020 with tickets said to go on sale later this year. The service is designed to strengthen transport links to the Isles of Scilly with increased capacity, improved road and rail connectivity and enhanced weather resilience.
The previous helicopter link ended some seven years ago after costs became too great along with falling passenger numbers made the operation no longer financially viable. There was also a bitter dispute over land and management of the helicopter landing site.
