800 hi-tech jobs on former airport site

Some 18 acres at the eastern end of the former runway are set to be used for hi-tech industries, according to a report sent to Rotherham Council. An outline planning application is set to be submitted before Christmas. Consultants, Turley, say carving it into four plots with a range of industrial uses could create 826 jobs. The prominent site would be at the centre of an emerging ‘Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District’ - set to be Europe’s largest cluster of research institutions, cutting edge companies and homes for workers. The proposals also include a hotel and shops. Graham Sadler, managing director of Sheffield Business Park, which owns the land, said: “This gateway site could become the nucleus of an Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District which we see as a flagship scheme for the Northern Powerhouse.” In a letter seeking pre-application advice from Rotherham Council, Matthew Sheppard, director at Turley, said: “It is intended the development will create a new gateway to the area, integrate the existing advanced manufacturing sites and act as the nucleus to the AMID. “The market for advanced manufacturing and research and development is strong, and the Enterprise Zone status of this area offers a clear incentive and competitive advantage to companies looking for new business premises. “Requirements for advanced manufacturing have arisen very rapidly over the last year, and the pace of delivery has been equally speedy. It is necessary for building options to be constantly available if the AMID is going to attract businesses which are internationally footloose. “There are three inward investment projects currently interested in Sheffield Business Park, one of which is deciding between it and the Czech Republic. “Without suitable sites with permissions in place which can quickly cater for this demand, opportunities will be lost.”