Southampton Airport master plan provides vision for the next 25 years
9 November 2006:
Southampton Airport has published its master plan, outlining its vision for the next 25 years.
The master plan details how Southampton Airport intends to meet the growing demand for regional air travel in two distinct time frames: from now till 2015 and from 2015 to 2030. It also restates the airport’s commitment to sustainable development and responsible growth.
Key points of the outline master plan are as follows:
• 2015: Passenger numbers are forecast to grow to 3 million
• 2015: The airport is forecast to generate 2,388 jobs and contribute £140m to the local economy
• 2015: New aircraft parking stands, car parks, taxiways and other commercial activity may be developed in the North East of the airport
• 2030: Passenger numbers are forecast to grow to 6 million
• 2030: The airport is forecast to generate 4,009 jobs and contribute £260m to the local economy
• 2030: There are 2 options for development as follows:
- Extend the size of the current terminal through the development of existing facilities, or
- Build a second terminal in the North East of the airport
All proposed developments can be accommodated on land currently controlled by BAA.
The publication of the master plan follows a constructive programme of public consultation with many people and organisations across Hampshire. The airport listened to the wide ranging views as to how it should develop to support the regional economy and communities. Feedback identified four main themes that need to be addressed as the airport grows. These include noise, air quality, climate change and surface access. These issues have been discussed in detail in the document and relevant strategies have been developed to manage the impacts.
Jimmy Chestnutt, Director General of the Southampton & Fareham Chamber of Commerce & Industry adds: “Southampton Airport is a key regional transport and economic driver. The Chamber of Commerce & Industry fully supports the future vision planned by Southampton Airport in order to maintain this important role in the future.”
Peter Dean, Managing Director of the Hampshire Economic Partnership adds: “The future development of Southampton Airport is considered as a very significant element of the economic fabric and prosperity of the region. The growth of Southampton Airport will provide continued and improved air links with British and European cities, which will be to the advantage of Hampshire businesses.”
The master plan has been developed in response to the Government White Paper, ‘The Future of Air Transport’, which requires specified airport operators such as BAA to outline their vision for growth up to 2030. The master plan will be reviewed in 5 years time.
For further information visit:
www.southamptonairport.com/masterplan
