New houses could see airport help economy to take off, says report

Being able to build housing and other uses could help site thrive

Perth Airport has the potential to inject more than £100 million into the local economy over the next two decades, a new study has revealed.

Jointly commissioned by the Morris Leslie Group and Perth and Kinross Council’s investment arm Invest in Perth, it sets out a range of alternative futures for the airport.

The airport’s owners have submitted comments to the local development plan asking that its restrictive “employment safeguarding” zoning be removed to allow for a mix of uses, including housing.

The company believes incorporating 230 residential units over the next 20 years would help its future.

Consultants Ekos prepared the 40-page report in anticipation of the forthcoming £1.84 billion Tay Cities Deal and the projected £113 million Cross Tay Link Road.

A new business model is needed if we are to avoid managed decline. That is not the future we envisage for Perth Airport. JOYCE LESLIE

The proposed 6km Perth bypass will connect the A9 to the A94 close to the airport.

Due for completion in 2023, the new road and new Tay crossing will allow traffic to bypass Perth’s Bridgend district by connecting north of the city, in theory opening up new economic opportunities for the areas explored in the report.

Joyce Leslie, a director of the Morris Leslie Group, said: “This new study considers all options for the future, including our preferred course of developing the site to meet new opportunities that arise.

“The Ekos report clarifies the increasingly high maintenance costs for which the airport will be liable, which means a new business model is needed if we are to avoid managed decline.

“That is not the future we envisage for Perth Airport.”

It covers a 45-acre site outside Scone and supports 160 jobs.

Its flight operations are managed by ACS and it is home to the Scottish Aero Club, Alba Airsports and Scotland’s only charity air ambulance.

The adjacent buildings, many of which date back to the airport’s Second World War origins, are in residential, hospitality and industrial uses, including business incubators, generating an annual £5.9m.

Picture: Shaun Ward. Joyce Leslie of the Morris Leslie Group at Perth Airport. A report commissioned by the firm says the airport could have a bright future.