A preferred bidder has been recommended to its council owners to buy Gloucestershire Airport, with plans to modernise the site and help boost the local economy.
The bidder who will be named in due course, is strongly committed to the future of the airport and excited by the opportunity to expand the site’s business parks and attract new investment.
Leaders at Gloucester City Council and Cheltenham Borough Council were impressed by the preferred bidder’s enthusiasm for the airport and its potential to play an important role in the economic growth of the region.
Gloucester City Council will consider the decision to dispose of its share of the airport at a full council meeting on June 26. Cheltenham Borough Council’s cabinet members have considered the matter and the council will confirm its decision at the same time.
Gloucestershire Airport is jointly owned by Cheltenham Borough and Gloucester City Councils and the site was marketed for sale in October last year. The airport sits on a 350-acre site, it boasts two already thriving business parks and has planning consent for an additional 30,000 square metres of business space.
Established in the 1930s, its location between Gloucester and Cheltenham makes it a perfect gateway for business travel, flight training and private aviation.
Both councils took the decision to consider the disposal of the airport as it needs a large investment to be able to continue to operate and to drive its expansion.
Leader of Gloucester City Council, Councillor Jeremy Hilton, said: “The bidders had to show that they were passionate about the airport’s future and its key role in supporting the economic growth of the county. A lot of interest was received but I believe we have one preferred option that shares our vision of modernising the airport and bringing real benefits to the area and to local people. The region is also receiving a number of multi-million pound investments so now is the time to build on that with the airport able to further grow our local economy.”
Councillor Rowena Hay, leader at Cheltenham Borough Council said: ‘’I am pleased that after diligently following a careful and considered process, we have been able to select a preferred bidder who will be able to unlock the potential for this site and build on its success. It has always been our intention that, through the sale of the airport, we secure long-term economic and social wellbeing for Cheltenham and the wider Gloucestershire region, through securing a new investor. We recognise the significant contribution that the airport makes to the regional economy and now is the right time for a new owner to drive this forward.’’
Jason Ivey, Managing Director, Gloucestershire Airport, added: “On behalf of the Senior Leadership Team and staff, we have been enthused with the level of interest shown in the acquisition of Gloucestershire Airport and very much looking forward to see the transition of the airport into private ownership. This not only secures current jobs, but also lays the foundations for new jobs creation and infrastructure development”
A spokesperson for Skyborne, an airline academy based at Gloucestershire Airport, said: “Skyborne is delighted to see Gloucestershire Airport entering this exciting new phase. The commitment from prospective new owners to invest in the airport’s future is extremely positive for our trainees, instructors, and the wider aviation community. We look forward to working collaboratively to further enhance training opportunities, support job creation, and ensure Gloucestershire remains at the forefront of aviation excellence for years to come.”
