Despite the challenges faced by the aviation industry as a whole during the current economic climate, owners Peel Airports remain confident over the Airport’s future potential and have been working on the Draft Masterplan for some time. Forecasts prepared independently for the Airport show that by 2016 the number of passengers using the Airport could reach up to 6.6 million per year and continue to grow to up to 10.8 million by 2030. At the same time, the amount of cargo handled is forecast to grow to 60,000 tonnes and to increase to 120,000 tonnes respectively.
The Draft Masterplan sets out how the Airport can best accommodate this growth and capture the opportunity to serve new routes, including long haul destinations, and support the Sheffield City Region and beyond by capitalising on the prospects to create jobs at the Airport and in the wider South Yorkshire economy. Also included in the Draft Plan are proposals for further expansion of the Airport Business Park and a further phase of housing development close to the Airport.
Key elements of the Draft Master Plan proposals include:
- Terminal expansion and airfield development
- New cargo facilities
- Improved Public Transport access and facilities
- Expansion of Business and General Aviation
- Further phase of the Airport Business Park
- Further phase of Housing Development
- Completion of the FARRRS link road
- Community development and ‘green’ infrastructure.
The Draft Masterplan also looks in detail at the environmental aspects of future expansion. Environmental management is a priority for the Airport and assessments have been carried out on a range of issues including noise, air quality, nature conservation, visual effects and risk. Careful consideration has been given to ensure as little impact on the environment as possible.
To see the masterplan visit http://www.robinhoodairport.com/about-us/master-plan.html