South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has expressed his disappointment that Peel Group hasn’t “been able to unlock the evident potential of an airport with a customer base of millions”.
He has also called out an apparent lack of willingness to match the ambition held by his office, after it revealed that Doncaster Sheffield Airport may no longer be deemed commercially viable.
A strategic review has been launched by the owner, as it seeks to call time on losses, with 800 jobs understood to be at stake.
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Revealing a £20 million loan and future plans had been on the table with Peel, the newly-elected civic leader has called for an urgent meeting, while convening local leaders. He also underlined the significant public funding already injected into the former RAF Finningley site.
Mr Coppard said: “South Yorkshire is establishing itself as a world-leading centre for advanced manufacturing, blade technology and low carbon innovation. The future is being made by businesses willing to invest in our region and make themselves an integral part of our communities. It is disappointing that Peel do not seem willing to match our ambition for DSA and have not been able to unlock the evident potential of an airport with the prospective customer base of millions.
“Public sector partners including Doncaster Council, the LEP and the Mayoral Combined Authority have all made significant investments in the future of the DSA and the wider Gateway East development. Prior to today's announcement my office was in discussion with Peel Group about a loan of £20 million for the delivery of their plans for the airport, and have been in detailed discussion with the government about further developing the connectivity of the DSA site.
“I am seeking an urgent meeting with Peel Group to find the best path forward for the communities of South Yorkshire and I'll be speaking directly to the government about the importance of a regional airport to the economic prospects of Doncaster, Barnsley, Rotherham and Sheffield.”
Direct links to the East Coast main Line and freeport status have both been considered, with a tie-in to the Humber’s allocation discounted due to geographic limitations placed on the new zones by the government.
It had been seen as having great potential with the neighbouring iPort facility linking road, rail and air with the UK’s busiest trading estuary.
Shadow Secretary of State for Transport and Sheffield MP Louise Haigh has written to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps “asking him to do everything in his power to ensure that South Yorkshire doesn’t lose Doncaster Sheffield Airport,” adding “we must not lose this strategic asset”.
She urged action, highlighting in her letter how ministers rejected a support package for the aviation industry when it was plunged into chaos during Covid.
Peel Group has vowed to consult with stakeholders as part of the strategic review it has launched.
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