The chief minister has said construction for the airport technology gateway will commence in 2022.

Alfred Cannan explained in the House of Keys that the £2.1 million ’high-quality landscaped business park’ connecting Balthane, the Freeport and Ronaldsway Airport is still subject to planning and further approval.

Construction should start next year with the first initial stage of the road corridor being completed by Q4 (October to December) 2022.

He added the ’full masterplan’ for the project would be put forward ’at a later date’.

At the sitting on Tuesday the chief minister was asked how entry channels at ports are assessed for aesthetic appeal by MHK Jason Moorhouse.

To this, Mr Cannan said entry channels at ports were ’not routinely assessed for aesthetic appeal’ but there was ’ongoing planned and reactive maintenance’ being undertaken as part of a programme ’identified and scheduled as required’ for the entry points to the island.

He said: ’The Department of Infrastructure is working with other departments to consider and enhance the visitor experience at the Sea Terminal building.

’A capital funding bid for modernisation of passenger facilities at the Sea Terminal building has been submitted to the Treasury for 2020-23, which will be considered as part of the budget process.’