Our Deputy Leader met with representatives of London Stansted Airport to discuss its ambitious plans for the future.
The airport recently announced a £1.1 billion investment programme. Over five-years this will deliver wide-ranging benefits for passengers.
Plans include a £600 million extension to the terminal building. This will allow it to serve 43 million passengers a year. It will also create 5,000 new on-site jobs and double its yearly economic output to £2 billion.
The airport is a key asset for promoting economic growth within Essex. The connectivity it provides is a huge attraction for businesses and investors.
Reflecting this importance to the Essex economy, Mike Hardaker, Chief Asset and Development Officer at Manchester Airport Group, is a member of the newly formed Greater Essex Business Board.
Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity, said:
Stansted is an important economic asset to Essex and a big part of what makes our county such an attractive proposition for businesses.
It was hugely exciting to visit the airport and hear more about future plans. These will not only help the airport accommodate more passengers, but also vastly improve the experience for those travelling from the airport, as well as create thousands of new permanent jobs for the area.
We will continue working closely with Stansted as we look towards an exciting future for the Essex economy.
Mr Hardaker said:
Essex is central to London Stansted’s success, and we’re really proud of the role we play in helping the local economy grow.
Working closely with Essex County Council and being part of the Greater Essex Business Board, I’m committed to making sure the airport continues to bring investment, create jobs, and support businesses across the county.
Our £1.1 billion transformation programme will help us grow the airport and improve the experience for passengers, all while boosting Essex’s economy even further.
Find out more about the airport's expansion plans.