04-04-2003
Government Gives Green Light To New North Of England Airport

The Government’s decision to allow Peel Airports to redevelop the former RAF Finningley in South Yorkshire as a commercial airport has today been welcomed by the Company’s Chairman, Robert Hough.

“The Finningley site is a national asset and will play a key role in the regeneration of South Yorkshire, an EU Objective 1 area. We now can look forward to bringing economic benefits to the region through the development of the Airport, which will be vital to determining where future economic activity will be” he said.

Peel Airports already owns and operates Liverpool John Lennon Airport in the North West, where an investment of around £80 million has been made to turn the facility into the North’s leading low-cost base. Working in partnership with local agencies, Peel has contributed to the renaissance of the area and initiatives to provide training and local jobs. Peel has also recently concluded an agreement with the Local Authority owners to take a majority shareholding in Teesside International Airport and will be investing £20 million to deliver improved services and facilities.

Robert Hough continues “Our commitment is to becoming an integral part of the local community, by working alongside others to deliver sustainable growth. Our vision is for the long term and we hope to foster partnerships and relationships which will result in the new Airport becoming a hub of activity in the region.

“This is a golden opportunity for Doncaster and the wider region - and for Peel. We look forward to a prosperous future working together.”

Peel Airports is part of the Peel Group, one of the leading property and transport companies in Britain with assets valued at over £2 billion. Activities range from property investor and developer to operator of the Manchester Ship Canal, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Teesside International Airport and The Trafford Centre, through to waste and minerals.

for more information please contact:
Alison Tennant
Peel Holdings

Tel: 0161 629 8229

Email: atennant@peel.co.uk