BAE confirms sale of historic Woodford site
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BAE Systems has confirmed the sale of its historic Woodford site, in Cheshire to Avro Heritage which has vowed "to ensure that Woodford's proud association with the aviation industry is reflected in the future development of the site".
BAE and its predecessor companies have had a presence at the aerodrome site since 1924 and during the last 90 years has seen more than 20,000 aircraft being built at the facility including the Lancaster Bomber, Canberra, Vulcan, Nimrod and Avro jets.
Up until last year, the Woodford site was engaged on the Nimrod MRA4 advanced maritime reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft programme, but the MoD's cancellation of the £3.6 billion project to bring into service the Nimrod MrA4 (pictured) led to its early closure and the loss of engineering jobs there.
The company's Jim Welsh said: "BAE Systems has a long and proud association with Woodford and although disappointed to be leaving the site we are happy that the new owners have exciting plans for this historically important site."
The site covers 502 acres with 160,000 sq m of covered manufacturing areas and offices, and a main 2,100 m runway.
