Big welcome for Carlisle Airport makeover

Dec 22 2008 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

REGENERATION organisations last night welcomed approval of plans to develop Carlisle Airport.

Carlisle City Council yesterday backed Stobart Air Ltd’s proposals for the site and the company is set to invest £19m in moving the Stobart Group’s headquarters to the airport.

It also aims to bring the airport back to a standard which will enable commercial passenger flights to recommence.

Cumbria Vision commissioned an economic impact appraisal for Carlisle Airport to assist Stobart Air Ltd’s application.

The study revealed the scheme could create or safeguard 1,500 jobs and contribute over £38m to the Cumbrian economy each year.

It also claimed the development would help Cumbrian businesses to grow and become more efficient, attract inward investment and help draw more “high value” visitors from London, the South East and Europe.

Simon Sjenitzer, strategy director at Cumbria Vision, said: “The development of Carlisle Airport is a major building block in Cumbria’s economic future and we are delighted that Stobart Air Ltd has been given the green light.

“In the current economic climate, an airport offering freight and commercial flights would be a real boost and help make businesses in Cumbria more competitive on the national and international stage.

“Along with plans to utilise the County’s links to the M6 and West Coast rail mainline, it will also help fuel Carlisle’s transformation into the Cumbria’s commercial hub.

“We now look forward to Stobart Air Ltd realising the potential of one of Cumbria’s best economic assets.”

Urban regeneration company West Lakes Renaissance also lobbied Carlisle City Council to approve the airport development as a key component of its Britain’s Energy Coast masterplan.

The airport is one of 29 regeneration projects contained in the plan – which aims to transform West Cumbria into a major low carbon energy production hub for the UK.

Bob Pointing, chief executive of West Lakes Renaissance, said: “Carlisle Airport holds huge potential for West Cumbria’s future prosperity by improving the area’s access to new and existing business and tourism markets.

“Not only will it help businesses already in West Cumbria, but strengthen the area’s appeal to those companies looking to capitalise on the many opportunities that will arise from the Energy Coast initiative.

“Improving transport links – whether air, rail or road – will be vital to the success of the Energy Coast vision. West Cumbria must now ensure it makes the most of one of Cumbria’s greatest untapped business assets.”