Belfast airport business park 'could create 2,000 jobs'
Belfast International Airport has been given the green light to develop a massive business park adjacent to the airport with the potential to generate 2,000 jobs, it announced today.
The airport said it had been given planning permission for a development of over 500,000 sq ft for mixed commercial use on 180 acres within the airport site.
Belfast International and its parent company TBI had been in discussions with relevant government departments over its plans for some time.
It said development of the Genesis Business Park would take place over five years and once complete ‘‘it is anticipated that the site will represent an investment of over £30m (€48.5m), potentially creating over 2,000 employment opportunities.’’
When fully developed it will cover a large spectrum of businesses such as air cargo complexes, distribution centres, business and R&D units, freight warehouses, call centres, serviced offices, fitness/leisure suites and related ancillary services.
Albert Harrison, managing director of Belfast International, said: ‘‘We are delighted that we have achieved planning permission to develop the land surrounding the airport, which again underlines TBI’s commitment to Northern Ireland.’’
He said that many airports worldwide had seen the benefits of industrial development on-site, providing excellent opportunities for inward investment and assisting in the economic development of the region.
Mr Harrison added: ‘‘It is widely recognised that airports are essential economic drivers and we are confident that this development will be one of the cornerstones underpinning Northern Ireland’s economic growth in the years ahead.’’
