Goonhilly has new lease on life

06.12.11

The historic Goonhilly satellite station in Cornwall is to be given a new lease of life.

Money from the government's Regional Growth Fund (RGF) will transform the former BT satellite station into a space and communication centre.

When the winners of the second round of RGF funding were originally announced at the end of October, Goonhilly was left waiting along with nine other schemes, which the Government said “required further discussion”.

Seven of those schemes, however, have now been told they will receive funding, along with the Goonhilly project on the Lizard peninsula.

GES, the company which leases Goonhilly near Helston from BT, wants to upgrade the existing antennas and reopen the visitor centre.

Satellite operations at the site ended in 2006.

Ian Jones, GES chief executive, said: "Goonhilly is so important to us. It was the first earth station in the world.

"We could use this for the next 50 years for space exploration and science research and to really contribute to the UK space economy."

Andrew George, the MP for West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly constituency of St Ives, said: "This is a real jobs boost for the area.

"It will breathe new life into the local economy and help give the UK a competitive edge in an emerging market."

In addition to the proposed science park, satellite operator Avanti Communications will also receive £5M of RGF support to expand its broadband infrastructure and activities in Cornwall.

Avanti currently employs nine people at Goonhilly and this will rise to over 40 direct employees with this project.

Avanti CEO David Williams commented: “With this new investment Avanti expands its activities in Cornwall, making it the world’s leading broadband satellite teleport controlling three broadband satellites.

“We are also increasing our commitment to ensuring that the people and businesses in rural Cornwall receive the best possible broadband service as quickly as possible.”

To find out more about Goonhilly please click here.