Things are stirring at the Green...
Consultation page...
Halfpenny Green Airport has been a part of this community for the last 77 years.
Unfortunately, the airport has suffered from under-investment in the past and currently operates unprofitably.
MCR Property Group have been reviewing the business needs since its purchase in November 2015 and propose a programme of capital investment to ensure the airport thrives into the long-term.
Currently good, high quality hangarage for small propeller driven aircraft is in short supply and the airport is turning away potential customers at a rate five enquiries a week.
Runway 28/10, essential for general aviation aircraft and training, cannot be used at present as it requires resurfacing, this alone will cost in the region of £300,000.
The current hangars date from the Second World War and were designed for military aircraft, rather than the current planes that use the airport, new hangars are smaller and more efficient in terms of how planes access and are parked within them.
For the Airport to be turned from a struggling business into a thriving one, substantial capital investment is required to ensure that airport facilities are up to standard for the 21st Century, and that the Airport can grow in terms of its capacity, so that it will become a self-sustaining business and not require another injection of capital in the future.
This is investment in the physical business infrastructure not cash-flow support.
It is imperative that the revenue side of the business becomes positive.
To this end, MCR Property Group has proposed an investment strategy that will enhance the physical form of the current airport and associated businesses.
A capital receipt will be generated through the provision of 112 homes within the existing development area.
This proposed airport-led mixed use develop is being referred to as the ‘Airport Village’.
Investing to keep the airport ticking-over will not be enough, the airport, like any business will need to thrive and make a profit to carry out maintenance and invest in new air traffic systems and safety equipment etc.