Marshall Aerospace move to Cranfield stalls as it explores other options
It looks like the relocation to Cranfield is off the table.
Marshall of Cambridge Aerospace deemed the move to the university campus was “no longer affordable”.
Originally, Marshall had hoped to build a purpose-built facility and had even had a public consultation before submitting an outline planning application with Central Bedfordshire Council.
Cranfield University and Marshall of Cambridge had also signed an option agreement back in 2020 – with a view for it to be operational during 2026.
But is a statement, Marshall said: “Cranfield has been our preferred option for the relocation of our aerospace operations, and we have taken time to explore it carefully. However, after a lot of work and analysis, we have had to conclude that this proposed location is no longer affordable, and we have let the Cranfield team know about this decision.
“Our focus remains firmly on securing the long-term future of the aerospace business, and we are actively exploring a number of alternative options for relocation. Although commercial sensitivities mean we cannot share more detail at this stage, we are committed to providing updates as our plans continue to develop.”
Professor Dame Karen Holford, chief executive and vice-chancellor at Cranfield University, said: “This isn’t the outcome we’d hoped for, however our airport remains an important asset for the university and a unique facility for research and innovation in the UK. The land proposed for development retains long-standing planning permission and we are actively exploring other options for the site.
“Cranfield’s future ambitions do not change – our strategic location at the heart of the Oxford Cambridge Growth Corridor, means the university remains vitally important to skills, growth and innovation in this region.”
The Marshall statement added: “Marshall is committed to developing Cambridge East and we’re continuing to engage with local, regional, and national government. Cambridge East has significant potential to create thousands of new homes and new jobs and to deliver a development which both enhances the community in Cambridge as well as integrating into the fabric of it.”