Erinaceous Group - Industrial Development - Shoreham, Take-Off For Shoreham Airport As Plans Include 200 New Jobs

Date: 05 Jul 2007

Shoreham Airport passed a milestone in its 97-year history this week when its owner, The Erinaceous Group PLC, officially applied for planning permission for a radical overhaul to modernise its infrastructure and to change it into a community and aviation business hub.

The plans, which arrived with Adur District Council on Monday, May 14, outlined proposals to refurbish the Airport's famous 1930s art deco terminal building, as well as construct several new buildings, including a new hanger, offices, fire station and control tower to enable modern facilities to be maintained. In what is believed to be a first for UK airports, the plans also include on-site apartments, in a design comparable to houses at the nearby Brighton Marina.

"We're incredibly excited about these plans," said Airport Manager John Haffenden. "These represent a substantial investment in the Airport and will help turn it even more into an aviation business and facility that the local area can be proud of."

The overhaul aims to compliment the regeneration of the town of Shoreham and will have consequences beyond the aviation industry. The developers aim to create up to 200 new jobs, with new office space, and associated hangers, which will be rented to local businesses.

The 70-year-old Grade two listed Terminal building will be restored to its original form, and the departure and arrival functions, which currently take place elsewhere, will be brought back into the airport's concourse, together with additional conference and function areas.

Sustainable transport links will be key to the development - and developers have a kept one eye on the environment. Walking routes to the town centre will be made safer, car-sharing schemes will be initiated, and cycling will be encouraged by the provision of ample cycle-parking.

Shoreham is the UK's oldest licensed airport and has been home to the aviation industry ever since Harold Piffard housed an experimental flying machine on the site in 1910. Having played a key role in both World Wars, today Shoreham is part of UK aviation history.

"This will make Shoreham unique amongst British Airports," said John Haffenden. "We are very exited by this development, and are sure that it shows commitment by Erinaceous to Shoreham airport's future."

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