Press Release
20th December 2011
CONFIRMATION OF SALE OF SITE
BAE Systems today announced that it had sold its Woodford Site, in Cheshire to Avro Heritage Limited. The sale is effective immediately.
Avro Heritage Limited has vowed to ensure that Woodford’s proud association with the aviation industry is reflected in the future development of the site.
On completion of the sale Jim Welsh, BAE Systems said: “BAE Systems has a long and proud association with Woodford and although disappointed to be leaving the site we are happy that the new owners have exciting plans for this historically important site.
James Fletcher for Avro Heritage Limited said: “We are honoured to take ownership of such a historic site and we will endeavour to ensure its past is not forgotten.
“We have many exciting plans for the site which will hopefully create new jobs and provide the local community with much needed leisure facilities.”
BAE Systems and its predecessor companies has had a presence at the Woodford site since 1924 and during the last 90 years has seen in excess of 20,000 aircraft being built at the facility include the Lancaster Bomber, Canberra, Vulcan, Nimrod and Avro jets.
As part of the sale, the Golf Club and Heritage Centre are in the process of extending their leases to remain on the site.
Information for Editors
- After World War I farmland near Bramhall in Cheshire was purchased by Avro to become Woodford Aerodrome.
- The Aerodrome first came into use in 1924.
- In World War II Avro produced aircraft like the Anson and the Lancaster.
- The post-war years saw the production of aircraft such as the Shackleton and the Vulcan delta-winged bomber.
- Avro was absorbed into Hawker Siddeley Aviation in 1963 followed by nationalisation to become part of British Aerospace in 1977, and then BAE Systems in 1999.
- Aircraft production continued with the 748 and ATP turboprop transports and the 146/RJ series of jet airliners.
- Woodford Site was engaged on the Nimrod MRA4 programme, building the world’s most advanced maritime reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft.
- Woodford Site covers an area of 203 hectares (502 acres). It has 160,000 square metres (1,713,000 square feet) of covered manufacturing areas and offices, and a main runway 7,800ft (2,100 metres) in length.
- The site is split almost equally between the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport and Cheshire East Borough. Discussions are underway with the appropriate authorities on the future use of the site.
- Avro Heritage Ltd is a company operated by Harry Harvey and Jo Bamford.
For more information, please contact
Lesley Dobson, BAE Systems
Tel: +44- (0)1772 852052 Mob: +44 07801 717289
Or
James Fletcher, Onside Public Relations Limited
Tel: +44 (0) 161 207 2323 / +44 (0)330 0202 0022
