Council officials are preparing to take crucial steps in appointing an operator for Doncaster Sheffield Airport, with significant developments expected later this summer.
In consultation with the Mayor, the City of Doncaster Council’s cabinet is set to grant delegated authority to the Director of Corporate Resources to select an operator who will receive preferred bidder status. This status will precede the finalization of a contract, which is anticipated later this year.
Next week, on June 19, a significant briefing will be held for the cabinet, where the council’s engagement in a Public Procurement Process to find an operator with the expertise needed to reopen the airport will be discussed. This initiative is not just about resuming airport operations; it is a crucial part of the broader South Yorkshire Airport City concept, aimed at spurring economic growth and regeneration.
A crucial part of this effort is the requirement that the Civil Aviation Authority re-establish airspace following the airport’s closure in November 2022.
The deadline for tender submissions is June 17, 2024. Following this, a meticulous evaluation and clarification process will commence. Stakeholders can rest assured that this thorough procedure is designed to identify the best proposal for Doncaster and the most capable operator to successfully reopen and manage the airport.
The report also suggests lifting the Article 4 Direction, a planning restriction that prevented asset removal or dismantling from the airport site. This change is recommended now that the council holds the lease. Other legal due diligence requirements must also be met.
Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, emphasized, “This marks another step forward in our mission to reopen the airport. The City of Doncaster Council is actively involved in the intricate and detailed procurement process. Once we complete the selection stage, we will grant an operator preferred bidder status. This will enable us to collaborate with the operator on finalizing a contract for the airport’s reopening.
“This is all part of our carefully managed plan and the necessary processes involved.”
