Shoreham Airport talks to secure future

TALKS to secure the future of Shoreham Airport will be discussed by councillors on Thursday.
Negotiations to secure the future of the airport could see a change of leaseholderNegotiations to secure the future of the airport could see a change of leaseholder
Negotiations to secure the future of the airport could see a change of leaseholder

Negotiations to secure a profitable future will be discussed by Brighton and Hove City Council’s policy and resources committee.

The discussions between the airport freeholders, Brighton and Hove City Council and Worthing Borough Council, lessees Albemarle Shoreham Airport and potential lessees Brighton City Airport have been on the future lease and management arrangements.

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The aim is to ensure the airport becomes a sustainable and profitable operation securing investment in the airport’s grade II* listed terminal building and hangar.

Geoff Raw, executive director environment, development and housing, said: “This is a superb opportunity to see the airport at Shoreham grow into a sustainable business which creates jobs and realises the sites potential while protecting its heritage.”

The recommendations also seek to promote the airport site as one of the Greater Brighton City Deal growth hubs and through the city deal and other funding sources, to undertake the Adur ridal walls flood defence works, which are designed to protect businesses and enable development of employment land identified in the Draft Adur Local Plan.

John Mitchell, director for communities at Adur and Worthing councils, said: “Brighton and Hove City Council and Worthing Borough Council have been working with Albemarle Shoreham Airport Limited and Brighton City Airport Limited to explore new management arrangements that will protect the future of the airport and secure much-needed investment in its unique facilities.

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“We believe that the current proposals represent the best opportunity to achieve these aims.”

Shoreham Airport is one of the busiest in the UK in terms of take offs and landings. This financial year, the airport is on target for a total of 57,000 movements.

In August last year, Shoreham Airport was the 10th busiest in the UK in terms of movements, with Heathrow at number one.

Read more in the Shoreham Herald on Thursday.