Work starts on giant airship factory site

Preparation work has begun on a site in South Yorkshire where giant airships are expected to be built and tested, the aircraft's manufacturer has confirmed.

The 124 acre (50 hectare) site at Carcroft Common, Doncaster, would have the annual capacity to produce 24 "ultra-low emissions" Airlander 10 airships, which could carry 100 passengers or 10 tonnes of freight, according to maker Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV).

The survey and initial work on the site follows the first instalment of a £7m loan from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

A spokesperson for HAV said it was a major step in creating a pioneering facility to assemble fleets of the 320ft (98m) long aircraft.

It was also expected that the site would create at least 1,200 new jobs in the region, the Bedford-based firm said.

HAV said it had opened an office at Cavendish Court in Doncaster to provide a base for employees while work got under way at the Carcroft Common site.

The manufacturer said its plans were aligned with the City of Doncaster’s Economic Strategy 2030 and the South Yorkshire Investment Zone, which aimed to improve investment through planning, development and skills support.

HAV CEO Nick Allman said: “As well as establishing a hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable aviation in Doncaster, it will bring with it new opportunities, jobs and apprenticeships in South Yorkshire.”

Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, said it was "great news" the firm would "make Doncaster its home".

"Its presence in the city is an exciting first step in the next generation of air technology," she said.

"This development will bring substantial investment and create highly skilled job opportunities, further strengthening Doncaster's position as a hub for innovation and industry.”

Meanwhile, Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, said the start of work at Carcroft Common meant a "world leading centre for sustainable aviation" was being built in the area.

"I have already committed to doing what we can to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport, creating a sustainable aviation hub at the centre of sustainable air travel," he added.

A previous prototype of the Airlander 10, which was 302ft (92m) long and cost £32m, carried out six successful test flights between 2016 and 2017, before being retired after breaking its moorings and self-deflating in November 2017.

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