JCB heir completes Woodford site purchase
BAE Systems today confirmed that it had sold its 500-acre Woodford site near Stockport to Avro Heritage – the business owned by JCB heir Joe Bamford.
The sale is effective immediately, and is understood to be worth at least £100m.
Avro Heritage has said that it will ensure that Woodford’s proud association with the aviation industry is reflected in the future development of the site.
On completion of the sale Jim Welsh, BAE Systems said: “BAE Systems has a long and proud association with Woodford and although disappointed to be leaving the site, we are happy that the new owners have exciting plans for this historically important site.
Avro Heritage, which is run on Bamford’s behalf by local property developer Harry Harvey, has said that as part of the sale, the existing golf club and heritage centre are in the process of extending their leases to remain on site.
Avro Heritage plans to develop housing on the northern part of the site but to retain the runway and to develop a range of leisure facilities on the southern part, including including an equestrian centre and a classic cars showroom.
The equestrian centre would be a top-of-the range facility which would take its inspiration from the Ingliston Country Club facility near Edinburgh. It would also house extensive facilities for Polo players.
Negotiations for other uses – including use as a potential film studio location – have also been taking place. Although no new plans can be submitted for the site until Stockport Council publishes a Supplementary Planning Document for the area next year, it has still attracted interest from a Hollywood film studio which has been in talks about shooting a film using existing facilities.
James Fletcher for Avro Heritage said: “We are honoured to take ownership of such a historic site and we will endeavour to ensure its past is not forgotten.
“We have many exciting plans for the site which will hopefully create new jobs and provide the local community with much needed leisure facilities.”
BAE Systems and its predecessor companies has had a presence at the Woodford site since 1924 and during the last 90 years has built more than 20,000 aircraft at the site, including the Lancaster Bomber, Canberra, Vulcan, Nimrod and Avro jets.
Cllr Dave Goddard, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “We look forward to working with the new owners of the Woodford Aerodrome site, and continuing to work closely with Cheshire East Council, local people and businesses on the best possible future for the site.
“We hope to publish the Supplementary Planning Document as early as possible next year, which will guide future development for the site.”
