Birmingham Airport (BHX) in the UK has unveiled a £2 billion draft Master Plan that could allow the airport to handle 30 million passengers per annum.
If it does, the airport notes that this would generate an additional £3.6 billion GVA for the West Midlands region, creating over 50,000 new jobs with 3,800 on site at the airport.
Over the next 15 years, the draft Master Plan identifies how BHX can make best use of its existing runway capacity, alongside significantly enhanced passenger facilities and improving surface access.
The plan, which is out for public consultation, also looks at how the airport can deliver more for communities living closest to the BHX site, as future growth is delivered responsibly and sustainably with proactive community engagement at its core.
According to BHX, the ambitious draft Master Plan sends a clear commitment of its intent to continue to serve the region and its communities. However, the announcement comes alongside a plea to government that for this growth to be deliverable, a stable taxation environment is fundamental to incentivise long term shareholder investment and returns.
This appeal comes in the wake of English airports facing continued uncertainty around valuations, which have already seen the doubling of a business rates bill at Birmingham Airport.
The first phase of development could start next year, with significant capital investments made in areas including baggage facilities, reconfiguration and additional aircraft stands, improvements into surface access and terminal facilities.
As part of BHX’s commitment to positive community engagement, an eight-week public consultation will start where stakeholders can feed into the plans online or via post, or attend any of the 20 events starting on October 16.
Airport CEO, Nick Barton, said: “As Birmingham is the UK’s second city, our future plans will help secure ongoing growth in the region, benefiting more people and businesses in the West Midlands with new jobs, better transport links and enhanced connectivity.
“The £2bn proposed investment is unprecedented at Birmingham Airport and will take our airport close to 30 million passengers. This level of ambition sends a strong signal of support and confidence in our airport and wider region.
“We have a laser light focus on delivering sustainable growth that supports regional prosperity, while responding responsibly to the environmental challenges. This Master Plan will enable us to deliver on that ambition and ensure we are ready for the future.”
UK Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “We’re backing our aviation sector to continue growing, right across the country.
“Birmingham Airport’s Masterplan will be a massive boost to the West Midlands, unlocking investment and creating 50,000 well-paid local jobs to get people into employment.
“From the Midlands to the North and beyond, we’re backing airport expansion that drives prosperity in every corner of Britain, whilst delivering cleaner flights with over £219 million invested in green fuels.”
While West Midlands mayor, Richard Parker, commented: “This ambitious masterplan and the investment it will bring is a massive boost for the West Midlands economy. It’s set to bring thousands of new jobs, better international links, and unlock vital backing for local businesses and supply chains.”
