Plans to build a massive aerospace overhaul, maintenance and repair workshop next to Prestwick Airport have been approved. The project involves constructing a 68,000-square-foot industrial facility immediately adjacent to the airport, providing “high-specification industrial and manufacturing space.”
Planning details and site specifics
South Ayrshire Council lodged the proposals as part of a planning application aimed at supporting the region’s growing aerospace sector. The plan seeks permission to build the facility, including “all access roads, car parking and landscaping” in Fresson Avenue. The plans have now been approved under delegated powers.
A new road, branching off Shawfarm Road, will be created to open access to land south of the application site. While associated with the overall development, it is subject to a separate planning application. Parking provision will allow for 122 spaces, including 12 EV car parking spaces, 4 accessible parking spaces and 2 EV wheelchair accessible parking spaces.
The perimeter of the site will be secured by a 2.45-metre-high chain link fence with a barbwire top guard. A gatehouse and guard will operate at the entrance to the site.
Design and context
The design and access statement says: “The application outlines the proposed development of a brand-new, 68,000-square-foot industrial facility situated immediately adjacent to Glasgow Prestwick Airport in the coastal town of Prestwick. Commissioned by South Ayrshire Council, this state-of-the-art building is specifically designed to support the region’s growing aerospace sector by providing high-specification industrial and manufacturing space.”
The current area earmarked for the development is a vacant parcel of land which the applicants say is “strategically positioned” inside the Aerospace sector hub, making it “highly suited” for commercial development. The access statement continues: “The site is bounded by critical aviation and aerospace infrastructure, creating a highly specialised surrounding context. The site directly borders Glasgow Prestwick Airport to the east. The immediate vicinity is occupied by various aerospace companies to the north and west. Directly to the south lies an area of undeveloped open greenspace, beyond which, to the south-west sits the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) complex.”
Investment and growth
The project forms part of the wider ongoing investment in the aerospace cluster and Ayrshire Growth Deal. It follows the announcement of a £40m investment towards Ryanair’s new maintenance facility, announced in March. At the time, First Minister John Swinney confirmed that a new Ryanair facility would potentially unlock 450 highly-skilled engineer and mechanic jobs, as well as 60 apprenticeships, with money for the scheme coming from the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and a contribution from the UK Government.
It was also revealed that the budget airline planned to expand its current maintenance facility, increasing in size from six to 10 bays, making it Ryanair’s largest heavy maintenance hangar.
Solar PV roof panels are included as part of this development proposal. However, following consultation with Glasgow Prestwick Airport, it was agreed that the solar PV arrangement shall not be implemented until a ‘Glint and Glare Assessment’ has been submitted and approved.
In approving the planning application, with conditions, South Ayrshire Council papers read: “The development will provide aerospace overhaul, maintenance and repair facilities required to support the continued growth of the business and its operations within the Prestwick Aerospace Cluster. The proposed building will extend the existing facility located to the north and is associated with the Ayrshire Growth Deal and will provide high skilled employment.”
It is the latest development in the aerospace sector at Prestwick, following an exclusive in July revealing how Woodward Aircraft Engine Systems, based at Shawfarm Road, Prestwick, unveiled plans to build a 1,900 square metre extension to the southern side of their existing operational facility. Those proposals, said to involve a “significant investment” in the area, were given the green light.
