The proposed sale of Gloucestershire Airport is set to meet a critical January 31 deadline, yet uncertainty lingers among local residents and council leaders. Cheltenham Borough and Gloucester City Councils are moving forward with selling the jointly-owned Staverton airfield to Horizon Aero Group for over £25 million. The vast 375-acre property includes two business parks and approved plans for an additional 30,000 square metres of commercial space.
Despite delays causing concern about the sale’s completion, officials remain optimistic. Andrew Hearne, council head of place, described negotiations with Horizon as “very productive, open and transparent.” The buyers have reassured the councils regarding their funding arrangements, which remain confidential, and are collaborating with multiple investors to finalize the deal. Three recent meetings have been held to monitor progress, with the councils prepared to intervene should funding fall through before the deadline.
Meanwhile, local opinion is divided. Some residents see the £25 million price tag as a bargain, suggesting the land’s development potential could reach £400 million. Several community members propose using the site for a much-needed new hospital, citing its strategic location between Cheltenham and Gloucester, easily accessible by public transport and with ample parking. Supporters highlight advantages such as proximity to motorway links, suitability for emergency air services, and potential to consolidate healthcare facilities.
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Others express skepticism about Horizon Aero Group’s financial readiness and question the councils' capability in managing the sale of a loss-making airport. Concerns include the possibility that the new owners might eventually sell the land for residential development, profiting at the public’s expense. Calls for greater public consultation and transparency have intensified amidst these worries.
There are also voices reminding that councils handle planning approvals rather than healthcare construction, underscoring the complexity of repurposing the site. Some locals nostalgia for the airport’s former holiday flight services, urging its preservation.
As the January deadline approaches, the future of Gloucestershire Airport hangs in the balance. Local authorities remain committed to completing the sale but acknowledge contingency plans are necessary. The vibrant community discussion reflects broader questions about land use, investment, and regional development priorities.