Osborne digs in as Airport City launches

CHANCELLOR George Osborne has launched the official start on site of the multi-million pound Airport City project at Manchester Airport.

Speaking at a ground-breaking ceremony at the site, which will eventually house 4 million sq ft of offices,Mr Osborne said: “We’re excited about the prospect of Airport City, and pleased that the Enterprise Zone status has allowed it to move forward at a quicker pace.

“Manchester Airport is already an economic growth area and we look forward to seeing the first buildings and companies announced. This is a long term project for the North West and I’m pleased to see so many partners working together to make it a success.”

A consortium comprising Argent, the Greater Manchester Property Venture Fund and Carillion, are expected to be confirmed as preferred development partners for the £660m scheme in the coming weeks.

Mr Osborne was joined by Karen Campbell, the Airport City director for Manchester Airports Group and MAG chairman Mike Davies.

Karen Campbell said: “Airport City creates a great opportunity not just for the North but for the whole of the UK and many companies are interested in being based at a site of this scale.”

She said she hopes to be able to announce the first deals for Airport City “within weeks”.