One of the UK’s busiest general aviation hub’s, Gloucestershire Airport has completed major upgrades to its crosswind and main runways, which involved runway resurfacing, the installation of new runway lighting, upgrades to signs and drainage and new below-ground infrastructure in readiness for a new radar system.
“The successful completion of these upgrades to airside infrastructure heralds the start of a new chapter for Gloucestershire Airport – possibly the single most transformative period in our recent history,” explained Karen Tyalor, the airport’s Managing Director. “Putting the airport firmly at the top end of aviation standards and technology, these vital upgrades elevate the quality and status of the airport and, together with ongoing work to deliver CGX Connect, serve as the catalyst enabling us to actively explore additional revenue streams and realise our long-term strategy for sustainable growth.”
The airport currently contributes around £52 millionn annually to the local economy and plays a key role in supporting significant projects, including cyber development at Golden Valley and Gloucester’s digital campus ‘the Forum’, both of which are now underway.
Funding for the runway refurbishments and improvements was made available by Gloucester City and Cheltenham Borough Councils (the airport’s joint shareholders) in recognition of the airport’s contribution and role in driving economic growth.
“Gloucestershire Airport is a unique and important asset for the country. With these refurbishment works now complete, we have in place the foundations on which to build the airport’s profile as a ‘gateway for growth’ – significantly contributing towards realising the county’s ambition for economic growth, providing connectivity to and from national and international destinations and establishing itself as a centre of excellence for all aspects of business aviation, aviation training and aviation-related research,” concluded Taylor.
Airport operations were able to continue while the work, which was carried out by VolkerFitzpatrick and project managed by Ridge & Partners, was ongoing.
