From the Editor: Airport sale could be a turning point for Doncaster
The deal could open up huge opportunities, but the details and the long-term benefits matter
Hello!
The planned reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport took another huge step forward this week with the news that South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has struck a deal to buy the airport from the Peel Group.
This certainly feels like a significant moment for a city that has spent years fighting to get its airport back.
The latest news also signals a major change in direction, from the long-mooted lease to the actual purchase of the airport.
DSA is not just about cheaper and more convenient holidays for the people of South Yorkshire, although this will obviously be important to many.
More importantly, it represents the potential for lots of new jobs, new investment and a stronger economic future for Doncaster.
Now this substantial public funding has been committed to the reopening, people have a right to know what has been agreed, how it is being paid for and how the risks will be managed.
The purchase of DSA is another important milestone on the road to reopening the airport, but there is still a lot more work to do before it becomes a reality.
One of the biggest challenges ahead is to turn the promise into a successful and sustainable airport that attracts the airlines and creates lasting employment and economic benefits to the region.
Those are the crucial benefits that local people will see in their everyday lives and these must be delivered if the airport is to be viewed as a success. Simply being a symbol of civic pride would not be enough.
The people of Doncaster have every reason to want the airport back. They also have the right to respect those responsible to deliver on the promises being made.
For our part at the Free Press, we will continue to bring you all the latest updates and context on the long-running DSA saga.
We will continue to ask the difficult questions of those running the project and hold them to account on their promises.
If you’d like to share your views on the future of DSA or any other local issues, then you can write to be at [email protected]