Manston Airport

The Government will appoint a consultant to undertake a review of the process so far on decisions about the future of Manston Airport, Transport Minister John Hayes has announced.  The Kent airport closed on 15 May 2014 and Thanet District Council has subsequently been seeking a deal to secure its future.

Mr Hayes had this to say: “I recognise the strong interest in keeping Manston Airport open which is why the government is leaving no stone unturned in the battle to secure its future.

Today I can confirm my department will appoint a well-established consultant to review the process so far on decisions about the airport’s future.  While it is down to Thanet District Council ultimately to agree a deal, the government is doing everything possible to support them in finding a way forward.

The Department for Transport will now commission an independent consultant to review the process on its behalf.”

The airport is now owned by regeneration specialists Trevor Cartner and Chris Musgrave.  The new owners envisage a £1bn redevelopment of the 800-acre site, over a 20-year period, into a mixed-use scheme helping to create more than 4,000 jobs.  (see BTN 29 September 2014).  Ann Gloags, of Stagecoach, was the previous landlord working with Alastair Welch, credited with the rehabilitation of Southend.   www.gov.uk/government/news/manston-airport-review

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