Blackpool Council is looking to appoint an architectural consultant partner under a framework agreement, to work with its airport team to undertake some initial feasibility studies at Blackpool Airport, as part of the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

Blackpool Council reacquired Blackpool Airport in September 2017 via its ownership of Blackpool Airport Operations Ltd (BAOL) and Blackpool Airport Property Ltd (BAPL), to secure its long term future as part of the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

Working with the airport team, the successful architect will initially be required to undertake a number of short feasibility studies and produce concept designs to examine options for the provision of new and replacement hangars and determine the best locations for new airport parking aprons, all of which in the long term will be required to facilitate the future development of the Enterprise Zone and the proposed relocation of the airport’s operational facilities in accordance with the Enterprise Zone Masterplan.

The initial phase of study and design work will build on the master-planning work previously undertaken by Mott McDonald and York Aviation in 2018. There may be additional work as and when required, as part of a framework agreement. The contract start date is expected to start 1 December 2019 and the feasibility studies and concept design (worked up to RIBA Stage 2) is required by 31^st March 2020.

Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council and Chair of Blackpool Airport said, “The appointment of an architectural consultancy will be a significant step closer towards seeing next generation development on site. The studies will help to inform the airport team in decision making and prioritisation of potential future investment at the airport. The airport is in urgent need of regeneration and it is important that we get it right from the outset, supporting the existing businesses on the airport whilst improving and building a strong and sustainable future in aviation and securing long term, skilled jobs for the local community.” Full details of the Tender can be found on:

The Chest, the North West’s Local Authority Procurement Portal, https://procontract.due-north.com/ Ref: DN438848

The Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), https://ted.europa.eu/ Contract Notice: 2019/S 191-464389