As the debate over how to best increase airport capacity in the UK drags on, local authorities and businesses surrounding Gatwick are keen to promote the merits of their case.
Pointing to the benefits of the “Gatwick Diamond” – home to over 38,000 businesses – they argue that a second runway at Gatwick Airport is the best solution to the problem.
One of the benefits supporters of Gatwick highlight is the airport’s proximity to Manor Royal, one of the largest industrial and business parks in the UK.
Located only two miles away – on the border between Surrey and Sussex – Manor Royal is a popular location, with over 500 businesses based on the site providing around 30,000 jobs.
Recently, planning approval has been granted to for the final undeveloped plot at Manor Royal – an area currently being used as an off-site car park for the airport.
The site will be developed by Abstract Securities and the office scheme will be known as the Leonardo Building. Work is expected to commence as early as September and is scheduled to conclude in the final quarter of 2015.
Chief executive of Abstract Securities, Mark Glatman, is keen to reassure prospective tenants about the future of the development regardless of the outcome of the runway debate.
He said; “The Leonardo Building comes at a good time for the Gatwick office market and, being located outside the boundary of the possible second runway, gives tenants absolute certainty about occupation, whatever decisions are made about the potential expansion of Gatwick.”
According to Abstract Securities, it has already received “significant” interest from prospective tenants largely due to the number of firms seeking to gain a foothold in close proximity to London.
However, should it become the neighbour of the UK’s new Hub airport, the desirability the new development, and for Manor Royal in general, could be further enhanced.
With additional material by Neil Bird
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