The firm proposing to reopen Manston airport as an air freight hub with associated business aviation and passenger services, has announced a deal with Securitas to implement and operate fire and security services at the site.
RiverOak Strategic Partners has struck a deal for Securitas, specialists in aviation security, to provide fire and safety expertise, manage specialist detection teams, handle general-purpose security dog teams and provide a City and Guilds-accredited onsite security resource with state-of-the-art security technology.
RiverOak is currently consulting on its proposals for the airport site before submitting an application for a Development Consent Order to the Planning Inspectorate. The consultation runs until Sunday 23 July.
Following the statutory consultation, the DCO application will be submitted later this year. A decision by the Secretary of State is expected by the end of 2018. If RSP gets the green light for its plans it says the opening of the re-built and refurbished airport will be in 2020.
RiverOak director George Yerrall said: “We have been working alongside Securitas for some months now and are delighted to be able make this announcement. Securitas looks after security at 220 airports in 53 countries and they have a deserved international reputation, not just for their high security standards, but also for their progressive attitude to pay, conditions and staff training.”
Shaun Kennedy, Director of Specialised Protective Services, Securitas, added: “Having worked closely with the RiverOak team we understand their vision but we also recognise the future security challenges in this sector. Our vast experience in aviation, security, fire and safety, canine and risk management makes us a perfect fit for RiverOak Strategic Partners. By blending people, technology and knowledge, Securitas is perfectly placed to provide a total security solution at Manston Airport.”
Stone Hill Park
Site owners Stone Hill Park have submitted a masterplan to Thanet council for 2,500 homes; an advanced manufacturing focused business park; sports and recreational facilities, with the former runway becoming the focal point for a network of parkland, trails and outdoor space, and a ‘heritage hub’ at the site.
Stone Hill Park says it expects its planning application for the site to be examined by Thanet council later this year.
The company adds: “The site of the former Manston airport is owned by Stone Hill Park which intends to regenerate it through sympathetic development based on homes, jobs, leisure and heritage.
“Their development of an advanced manufacturing site and mixed range of housing, together with retention of a grass runway and museums and protection of one third of the site for leisure would create thousands of jobs, answer the area’s chronic need for homes and produce a multi-million-pound boost to the local economy.”
Stone Hill Park’s plans can be viewed here
The airport closed in May 2014 just months after it was sold to Stagecoach tycoon Ann Gloag for a nominal £1, plus accrued debts.