Lift-off planned for former RAF base

MP Gregory Campbell has met the owners of the former Shackleton Barracks to discuss the potential economic boost from the Government’s renewed commitment to the Heathrow Airport Expansion.

Back in 2019, before the multi-billion-pound third runway project was shelved, the Ballykelly site was in the running to become one of several ‘logistics hub’.

With the aim of dispersing thousands of jobs beyond the South East, components were to be assembled off-site before being transported to London.

Ballykelly was named on a short-list of candidate locations, but the project ground to a halt amid objections from Heathrow's neighbours and environmental concerns.

Earlier this year however, Chancellor Rachel Reeves indicated the Labour government would back the plans, saying “a third runway was badly needed.”

The announcement prompted Mr Campbell to seek discussions - alongside MLA Alan Robinson and Cllr Edgar Scott - with the site's owners, MJM Group and representatives of Heathrow Airport.

Speaking after the meeting he described the project as “a critical, privately-funded infrastructure project which can boost domestic and international connectivity, generate thousands of jobs, and unlock considerable economic growth.

“The importance of ensuring that Ballykelly remains a key consideration in any future procurement or logistics planning connected to the airport’s expansion must be reinforced at every opportunity,” Mr Campbell added.

“The Government’s backing for the expansion of Heathrow is a welcome sign of support for UK aviation and economic growth. Ballykelly’s previous shortlisting as a Heathrow logistics Hub site shows the calibre and potential we have locally.

“This meeting with MJM Group underlines the opportunity to reignite that momentum and ensure Northern Ireland has a strong role in shaping and benefiting from this vital project.”

Full story in this week's Northern Constitution.