South Yorkshire’s leaders have approved plans to bring Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) and the adjacent Innovation Quarter employment land into public ownership, marking a significant milestone in efforts to restore commercial aviation to the region.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) Board on 27th October, giving the authority the go-ahead to proceed with a proposed purchase from Peel Land.
The deal remains subject to the conclusion of a formal agreement between SYMCA and Peel, including the necessary legal processes and approval from Peel. Negotiations between the parties will continue as they work towards finalising the transaction.
If completed, the acquisition would give South Yorkshire greater long-term control over the airport site and surrounding employment land, supporting plans to reopen the airport and develop the wider South Yorkshire Airport City vision.
The proposed development aims to establish a hub for sustainable aviation, advanced manufacturing and innovation, with regional leaders anticipating that the project could create thousands of jobs and attract significant private investment.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard described the decision as a major step towards reopening the airport and developing what he called a world-leading sustainable aviation hub at Gateway East.
“Four years ago, we were told our airport was closing. Alongside Ros Jones, I promised I would do everything I could to save it, but I’d always put the interests of taxpayers at the heart of any decision,” he said.
Coppard added that the agreement had followed months of negotiations with Peel, with greater flexibility and confidence provided by devolution helping the parties reach this stage.
He acknowledged that further work remained before the transaction could be completed, including formal approval from Peel and the necessary legal processes.
“My focus is now on getting our airport open, creating thousands of good jobs and realising the massive potential of one of South Yorkshire’s biggest economic opportunities, so everyone here can stay near and go far,” he said.
Public ownership central to reopening plans
Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones also welcomed the decision, highlighting the opportunity to acquire the airport’s freehold alongside the additional employment land at Gateway East.
Jones said restoring the airport remained her priority, adding that the proposed purchase would provide an opportunity to secure its future through a partnership involving regional leaders and other stakeholders.
She said bringing the airport back into public ownership was an objective she had wanted to pursue since its closure, and expressed confidence that the plans could unlock economic opportunities for Doncaster, South Yorkshire and the wider North of England.
Doncaster Sheffield Airport closed in November 2022, leaving the region without a commercial airport and creating uncertainty over the future of the site.
Since the closure, SYMCA, City of Doncaster Council, local MPs, the Government and other partners have worked to develop a route towards restoring aviation operations.
The proposed acquisition covers both the airport and the adjacent Innovation Quarter employment land, giving the public sector greater control over how the wider site is developed.
However, the latest decision represents approval to proceed with the proposed purchase rather than confirmation that the transaction has been completed.
Preparations for reopening continue
Work towards reopening the airport has continued alongside negotiations over its ownership.
According to SYMCA, airport teams have been progressing preparations intended to allow operations to resume as soon as practical. This has included recruiting senior aviation leaders to head departments and advancing regulatory work, including Airspace Change Proposals.
Procurement decisions have also been progressing for equipment and technology required for airport operations, including fire tenders and a new radar system.
These preparations form part of the wider effort to establish the conditions needed for the airport to return to service. However, a confirmed reopening date has not been announced as part of the latest decision.
Negotiations with Peel Land have continued over the past 12 months, with the proposed purchase now backed by South Yorkshire’s mayor and regional leaders.
Stephen Wild, Managing Director of Peel Land, said: “We note the outcome of today’s meeting and will continue to work jointly with SYMCA to seek to finalise the transaction.”
City of Doncaster Council’s Cabinet is due to meet on 28th October to discuss transitional arrangements and other matters arising from the decision.
Public meeting planned for November
South Yorkshire’s Mayor will hold a public meeting at Club Doncaster Sports Village at 6pm on Monday 9th November, providing an opportunity to update residents on the airport’s future and answer questions.
The latest development moves the proposed purchase a step closer, but the finalisation of the agreement remains an important hurdle.
For South Yorkshire, the objective extends beyond reopening an airport. Regional leaders are seeking to use the site as the foundation for a wider employment and investment programme, combining aviation activity with advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
Whether those ambitions can be delivered will depend on completing the transaction, progressing the remaining work required for reopening and attracting the airlines and businesses needed to establish a sustainable long-term operation.