16 May 2023
Changes to the way the government-controlled Isle of Man Airport at Ronaldsway is run could result in the UK’s first aeropark with ‘hangar homes’.
“The Isle of Man Airport is considering having mixed-use hangars (commercial + residential use),” said Peter Day, whose company Hangar Homes is attempting to build mixed-use hangars at Solent Airfield.
The Isle of Man Airport location is appealing, according to Peter. “Over the road from a lovely small harbour and walking distance from a golf course and fabulous beach, Manx Aeropark has to be one of the best locations in the UK to live and run a business, not least because of the Isle of Man’s attractive tax status.
Area ringed in red is where the potential hangar homes would be
“If this development goes ahead, it will become a ‘game changer’ for having these types of Hangar Homes in the UK,” continued Peter, “not only on General Aviation airfields but also on regional airports like the Isle of Man, which operates a number of scheduled flights to major airports in the UK.
“If these unique units work well there, then they certainly will at other aspiring regional airports such as Solent, Shoreham and Plymouth (if it reopens), who have objected to residential use on the airport.
“In the light of the Isle of Man, and the 55 other commercial airports worldwide that already accommodate some residential use on the airport, these arguments will ring hollow.”
However, Peter needs to show there is interest in the Manx Aeropark concept.
He said, “Before moving forward on this exciting development, the Isle of Man Development Corporation and the Airport need to know the level of demand from businesses (not just aviation-related) that would use a light aircraft from one of these units. If you want to be kept informed about this development, then please email [email protected].”
The Isle of Man government, Tynwald, is considering a report it commissioned called Isle of Man Airport: Function, Future and Form.
Infrastructure Minister Chris Thomas MHK explained, “It is essential that the Airport operates in a way that allows it to reach its potential, and enhance its provision of air services so that they meet our needs.”
The Airport is run as a part of a government department at the moment and the report discusses whether that’s the best way to operate it.
