Not just a place to catch a plane

For many years airports have been places you went through on the way to somewhere else; the link between you and your two weeks in the sun or an important business trip. You might do a bit of shopping in the duty free or grab a bite to eat while waiting for your flight to be called but by and large nobody would usually go to the airport unless they were planning to go somewhere else.

With the development of the Airport City concept, however, all this is about to change. Airports will no longer be places you travel through but actual destinations in themselves. Manchester Airport is the first UK airport to meet all the development criteria for the new airport model and as the prototype for the UK it is an exciting time for the airport and the city itself. Development opportunities at Manchester Airport will include hotels, warehouses, manufacturing space and office space as well as retail and leisure facilities and it is anticipated that the development will add to the city’s existing reputation as an excellent destination for both business and pleasure, while offering great returns on investment.

Airport City will be built over the next 15 years and will be completed phase by phase with work already underway on the main site link road and infrastructure. Manchester airport development opportunities will provide employment for the local population and help to further regenerate the economy of the city and surrounding area.

As well as providing excellent opportunities during the development phase, the retail, warehouse, leisure and office space (which will be available to rent on completion) is being designed to appeal to both global business enterprises as well as local entrepreneurs and others interested in becoming a part of this innovative and exciting new development.

It is expected that Airport City will add to the city of Manchester’s overall appeal as an excellent location for international business as well as offering some fantastic leisure and retail facilities for people living in the area. Plans for restaurants, shops, coffee shops and lots of green space will ensure that it’s an exciting place to be whether you are heading off on holidays or just doing a bit of shopping at the weekend.

Jane Tchan is editor of SmallBizPod. She has more than 30 years of experience gained from working across a diverse range of industries, including tourism and leisure, retailing, sports sponsorship and food. During that time she has edited a variety of publications and online media http://www.smallbizpod.co.uk