Selling an asset the council has owned since the 1930s is a momentous decision, and one which Gloucester City Council resolved at a special meeting in June, agreeing the disposal of Gloucestershire Airport – a site jointly owned with Cheltenham Borough Council.

This was a difficult choice. Having served on the airport board for eight years, I’ve always been committed to securing its aviation future. The airport supports many jobs, including the 53 people directly employed by its operating company.

When I became council leader last year, I paused the sale for four months to carefully weigh up the options. Ultimately, I concluded that a sale was the best way forward.

The airport requires significant investment

The airport requires significant capital to thrive – investment in new radar systems, upgraded hangars, and the expansion of the CGX business park. The councils are unable to provide the scale of funding needed.

We brought the site to market last October with a guide price of £25 million. From the outset, we made it clear that this was a sale of a going concern: we were looking for a buyer with strong aviation credentials, a solid business plan, and the capital to invest in the airport’s long-term future.

The shortlisted bids were impressive. In early May, we interviewed the two leading bidders – both exceeded the asking price and outlined clear investment plans for Staverton over the coming years.

There are clauses to ensure the site remains an operational airport

The legal agreement with the preferred bidder is progressing. It includes robust covenants and overage clauses to manage development and guarantee the site remains an operational airport.

In the end, this sale represents the best route to preserve Gloucestershire Airport’s role as the UK’s busiest general aviation hub, safeguarding local jobs and future growth.