Thanet council seek funders for Manston airport buy-out

Thanet council is asking to hear expressions of interest from suitable indemnity partners for the potential compulsory purchase and future operation of Manston airport. The search forms part of the local authority’s considerations as to whether the compulsory purchase of the airport would be a viable option.

The council has now issued a ‘Prior Information Notice’ (PIN), used to prepare and give notice for a procurement process before it officially begins. Parties have until Wednesday August 20 to register interest.

Following registration, applicants will then have to complete a questionnaire to identify their interest, capacity and capability in the market. A third and final stage will then involve face to face sessions set to take place in mid-September, depending on the level of response to the earlier phases.

The council received an independent report into the viability of a compulsory purchase of the airport on July 31. The report found any acquisition of the site would rely on an identified indemnity partner making significant investment with a minimum 20 year business plan.

Thanet Gazette 13th Aug 2014