Marshall Aerospace gets green light for relocation to Cranfield University facility

Central Bedfordshire Council has approved Marshall Aerospace’s outline planning application (OPA), paving the way for the relocation of its UK headquarters to a new facility at Cranfield University.

The approval of the OPA validates the general principles of site development for the uses proposed by Marshall and enables the business to begin detailed design work for the first phase of its development at Cranfield in preparation for a reserved matters planning application.

“Today’s decision is an exciting milestone in the relocation of our UK Aerospace headquarters,” said Marshall Group CEO Kathy Jenkins. “Central Bedfordshire Council’s planning team and Cranfield University have been invaluable partners and supporters of our shared vision for the future of our Aerospace business.

“We are also very grateful to all the residents and representatives of local communities for their active engagement throughout the consultation process. As we work through the next level of detail with our partners and stakeholders, we will continue our dialogue with the local community to ensure we maximise the value of our presence in the region.”

Vice-Chancellor and chief executive of Cranfield University, Professor Karen Holford, welcomed the news.

“The relocation of Marshall Aerospace to Cranfield University will bring to the region new opportunities for collaboration in research and innovation, as well as raising the aspiration for skills development,” she said. “The new state-of-the-art facilities will complement our university capabilities, particularly our global research airport, and further our work with industry and government.”

Once established in its new facility and running at capacity, the Aerospace business is expected to employ up to 1,200 people, many of whom will be involved in the skilled hands-on aircraft maintenance whilst other roles will cover a wide range of support and managerial areas.

The company’s existing Cambridge Airport site has been put forward for inclusion in the Greater Cambridge Local Plan; however, Marshall will continue to maintain a strong presence in Cambridgeshire, operating a number of its businesses from the area.

The move is expected to add £130m to the region’s economy. The submitted outline plans are for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft with associated research and development activity, and up to 16 aircraft hangar bays on land north of the airport.

There were 130 representations at the council meeting, with 107 objections. Cranfield Parish Council opposed the proposals on noise grounds, while Marston Moretaine Parish Council welcomed the employment opportunities, but raised traffic concerns.

The move will take place next year and by 2027, Marshall Aerospace will have vacated the Cambridge home, home to the company since 1919.

- Additional reporting by Euan Duncan, local democracy reporter for Bedfordshire.