Development pipeline update for Doncaster Sheffield Airport
The terminal refurbishment programme is expected go live this week, while the first phase of a 1,400-home scheme is due to start next year, as discussed at Place Media’s South Yorkshire Development Update.
Steve Allcoat, head of assets, capital & engineering, Doncaster Sheffield Airport, speaking on a panel about the airport’s future, said the terminal refurbishment programme was due to go live through the YorBuild framework, with a further three to five tenders expected to be issued over the following two to four weeks.
He said: “A significant investment we’re making, and then over the next probably two to four weeks there will be three to five tenders going out for various different things, whether it be hangars, air traffic control, radar footprints, and civils works across the airport,” he said.
The procurement pipeline comes alongside plans to restart residential development at Hurstwood, a 175-acre scheme where Peel has planning consent for up to 1,400 homes.
Julian Stott, development director at Peel Land, said the first phase of around 300 homes is expected to start on site next year, with the phase currently close to being contracted: “I had hoped this morning that I’d be able to announce the first phase of development under contract. I hope I don’t jinx it, but it’s imminent,” he said.
The first phase will include almost 60 policy-compliant affordable homes, alongside a further 50 additional affordable homes aimed at products including first-time buyers.
Stott said the housing would play an important role in supporting the wider employment growth planned around the airport: “To support the skills and the development of the community in Gateway East, you need all types of people, and therefore you need all types of housing,” he said.
The Hurstwood scheme will also provide up to £8m through a S106 contribution towards improving existing schools or potentially developing new education facilities in Doncaster.
The homes are planned to meet Future Homes Standard requirements, including solar panels and air-source heat pumps, while around 60 acres of central woodland will be retained and managed as part of the development.
The wider airport site is also being positioned as a major logistics and employment hub, with Peel highlighting the potential of its combined landholdings for airside development, cargo and manufacturing.
The panel heard that the site could ultimately provide a major new development opportunity for the region, with Peel and its partners seeking to build on existing infrastructure and occupier interest as the airport moves towards reopening.
