South Ayrshire Council has unveiled plans for a massive aerospace overhaul, maintenance, and repair facility immediately adjacent to Prestwick Airport. The proposed 68,000-square-foot industrial building, detailed in a planning application, is designed to provide high-specification industrial and manufacturing space to support the region's growing aerospace sector.
Facility Details and Location
The facility, to be built on Fresson Avenue, will include access roads, car parking, and landscaping. A new road branching off Shawfarm Road will be created to open access to land south of the site, though this will be subject to a separate planning application. Parking provision includes 122 spaces, with 12 for electric vehicles, 4 accessible spaces, and 2 wheelchair-accessible EV spaces. The perimeter will be secured by a 2.45-metre-high chain-link fence with barbed wire, and a gatehouse with a guard will control entry.
Strategic Position Within Aerospace Hub
The site is currently vacant and described as strategically positioned within the Aerospace sector hub, making it highly suited for commercial development. According to the design and access statement, the site borders Glasgow Prestwick Airport to the east, with various aerospace companies to the north and west. To the south lies undeveloped greenspace, beyond which is the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) complex. The project is part of wider ongoing investment in the aerospace cluster and the Ayrshire Growth Deal.
Connection to Ryanair Expansion
This development follows a £40 million investment announced in March for Ryanair's new maintenance facility at the airport. First Minister John Swinney confirmed that the Ryanair facility could unlock 450 highly-skilled engineer and mechanic jobs, along with 60 apprenticeships. Funding comes from the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, and a UK Government contribution. Ryanair also plans to expand its current maintenance facility from six to ten bays, making it the airline's largest heavy maintenance hangar.
Planning Status and Further Developments
Ayrshire Live contacted South Ayrshire Council to ask if the planning application is linked to the Ryanair expansion. A spokesperson said: “All information publicly available is on South Ayrshire Council’s Planning Portal.” The proposals are listed as pending consideration, with a decision expected in September. This announcement follows another recent development: Woodward Aircraft Engine Systems, based at Shawfarm Road, Prestwick, unveiled plans for a 1,900-square-metre extension to its existing operational facility.
