Avro Heritage complete Woodford purchase

Woodford Site 2

BAE Systems announced the sale of its Woodford site on Tuesday, December 20th, to developer Avro Heritage Limited who has vowed to continue Woodford's proud association with the aviation industry.

Avro Heritage Limited, owned by JCB heir James Bamford and Harry Harvey, is understood to have purchased the site for £100m.

Plans for the 500-acre site include a film studio, housing and leisure facilities.

James Fletcher, spokesman for Avro Heritage Limited, said: "We are honoured to take ownership of such a historic site and we will endeavour to ensure its past is not forgotten.

"We have many exciting plans for the site which will hopefully create new jobs and provide the local community with much needed leisure facilities."

Cheshire East Council has pledged its support following the deal, which will bring opportunities for new jobs and facilities for young and old people in the community.

Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, said: "We are delighted that the sale of this historic piece of land has been made, bringing new opportunities for local people.

"The results of the public consultation, held in the summer, will play a major part in its future, helping to shape any further proposals.

"We will be working closely with our colleagues at Stockport Council on all aspects of this development to ensure it brings a great deal of prosperity to this part of Cheshire East."

Councillor Dave Goddard, Leader of Stockport Council, said: "We look forward to working with the new owners of the Woodford Aerodrome site and continuing to work closely with Cheshire East Council, local people and businesses on the best possible future for the site.

"We hope to publish the supplementary planning document as early as possible next year, which will guide future development for the site."

Jim Welsh, BAE Systems, said: "BAE Systems has a long and proud association with Woodford and although we are disappointed to be leaving the site we are happy that the new owners have exciting plans for this historically important site."

Over the past 90 years, more than 20,000 aircraft have been built at the plant, which is due to close in March 2012 - including the Lancaster Bomber, Canberra, Vulcan, Nimrod and Avro jets – have been built there.

As part of the sale, the Golf Club and Heritage Centre are in the process of extending their leases to remain on the site.

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