Plans for a new aviation-related business park on a 100 acre site at Norwich International Airport have been unveiled which could eventually create 1,000 new jobs.
The airport has teamed up with Wrenbridge, a Cambridge-based property company, to develop outline plans for the development of an 850,000 sq ft site within the operational boundary of the airport and north east of the main runway.The catalyst for the project is a 160,000 sq ft pre-let to Air Livery for an aircraft painting facility to house a planned expansion and provide 120 jobs.
The new park will offer occupiers bespoke buildings with access to the airport’s infrastructure and will be on land jointly owned by Norwich City and Norfolk County Councils. The site will focus mainly on businesses involved in the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of aircraft, complementing existing businesses at the airport....MORE
Ewen McLeod, associate director of Wrenbridge,said: “The first building to be delivered on the site will be for Air Livery and comprises a terrace of 5 hangars in addition to the company’s head office.“ Work has already started on a hybrid planning application with the help of Morgan Sindall Professional Services, to be submitted towards the end of the year.
Andrew Bell, CEO of Norwich International Airport, said: “We are delighted to have brought Wrenbridge on board as our development partner for this exciting project, and look forward to working with their team to deliver the new building for Air Livery, as well as attracting further MRO businesses to Norwich International in the future.”
“This announcement marks another positive step forward for the airport and further demonstrates the key role it plays as a driver of direct and indirect employment and economic growth in the region. On the back of last week’s announcement of more routes and capacity for holidaymakers with Thomson and First Choice, and the recent introduction of new scheduled services to Manchester, Exeter, the Isle of Man and Newquay, this is a hugely exciting time for the Airport, underpinning its status as a major regional airport fuelling economic growth.”
Julian Duffen, managing director of Air Livery, said: “Having the ability to secure modern premises at the airport is vital to deliver the growth profile we envisage in the future, and today’s announcement marks a significant strategic move forward for the business and a firm commitment to Norwich and our customers.”
Ann Steward, cabinet member for economic development at Norfolk County Council, said: “Air Livery's decision to locate this considerable expansion at Norwich International Airport, rather than at an alternative airport elsewhere in Europe, is testament to the region’s ability to offer the right mix of skills, capacity and stability”
