Prestwick Airport on capital stage
The “unique strengths and rich potential” of Prestwick have been showcased during a high level business pitch.
Bosses at the town’s airport welcomed a delegation from London Heathrow, who are running the rule over possible “logistics hubs”.
We told earlier this month how Prestwick was vying to be chosen as a key link into the expansion project down south.
A Scottish hub is guaranteed as a key commitment in Heathrow’s plan to boost jobs and growth north of the border.
The winning location will pioneer off- site manufacturing, kicking off the creation of up to 16,000 new jobs and up to £ 17 billion in economic growth that the Heathrow expansion is predicted to bring Scotland.
Stewart Adams, Prestwick’s chief executive, said: “Our proposition involves the airport as well as key neighbouring assets including the Port of Ayr; Falkland Rail Freight Yard and Newton Shore.
“We have been working collaboratively to develop a comprehensive offering that brings together a number of private and public sector partners and investors to showcase a multi- modal logistics hub proposition to support the future development of Heathrow.
“We believe it is the best combined air, rail, road and sea freight solution in Scotland, which is underpinned by accessible supply chain capability and capacity, skills pipeline and the availability of extensive industrial development sites.
“Along with the airport’s niche specialisms, wide- ranging expertise and proven track record, we’re confident that the region has all the key ingredients required to deliver expansion at Heathrow on time and on budget.”
On the potential for additional Heathrow domestic routes, he added: “A key target for Prestwick is securing a London route.
“We know that there is demand for this route and London Heathrow would be an ideal airport to partner with.”
Stuart Cresswell, ABP’s Port Manager at Ayr, added: “We are happy to support Prestwick Airport and South Ayrshire Council in their bid to develop an active working relationship with Heathrow.
“The integrated air, sea, road and rail links that can be offered by the Prestwick Ayr hub is truly unique and with much of the primary infrastructure already in place, it is a highly competitive proposition with excellent connectivity.
“ABP has been an active investor in Ayrshire in recent years and we are happy to continue to support our vibrant region.”
Eileen Howat, chief executive of South Ayrshire Council, added: “We firmly believe the South Ayrshire bid to become Scotland’s Heathrow Logistics Hub site is the best option for Scotland and the UK, and we’re proud to support our partners at Prestwick Airport, the Port of Ayr, Falkland Rail Freight Yard and Newton Shore.
“Our bid brings together the best of the public and private sectors and showcases the fantastic assets we have to support expansion at Heathrow – location, infrastructure, connectivity, capability, capacity, skills, knowledge, expertise and ambition to succeed.
“A South Ayrshire Logistics Hub will deliver investment, growth, jobs, and will benefit people and communities right across the country. I’m sure that came across loud and clear to our visitors from Heathrow and I hope they make the right decision.”