Member Article

Historic aviation site sold to JCB heir

BAE systems has announced the sale of its Woodford site in Chesire, to Avro Heritage Limited, a company partly owned by Jo Bamford, heir to the JCB empire.

The 500 acre site has a strong history of aviation development over the last 90 years, hosting manufacturing of iconic aircraft such as the Lancaster Bomber.

It is thought the site will now be turned into a film studio, and housing, although Avro Heritage has vowed to ensure that Woodford’s proud association will be reflected in the future of the site.

James Fletcher for Avro Heritage Limited 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.”

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.”

The site is currently populated by a large area of industrial premises, and as part of the sale, the existing golf club and heritage centre are in the process of extending their leases to remain on the site.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .