By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Superdry founder Julian Dunkerton has revealed he is among the bidders hoping to buy Gloucestershire Airport and protect its future for the next 25 years.
The Staverton airport was put on the market again in June this year after a bid above the previous £25m asking price fell through for the 375-acre site.
Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucester City Council jointly own what is currently the UK’s busiest general aviation airport for aircraft movements.
But the site, which is run by Gloucestershire Airport Limited, has cost taxpayers millions of pounds in recent years. And council chiefs want to sell it while preserving its aviation future.
Now Cheltenham businessman Julian Dunkerton has revealed he has made a joint bid with an airport operator to purchase the site. And he has pledged to protect its future as an operational airport for 25 years.
Dunkerton and his wife, fellow entrepreneur Jade Holland Cooper, have invested millions across the county, protecting heritage buildings, building numerous businesses and employing hundreds of people.
And they say the airport bid builds on their commitment to Gloucestershire, championing local jobs, investment and business opportunity.
It also supports the Superdry co-founder’s ambitions to expand across Europe while keeping the business firmly rooted in the county.
Mr Dunkerton said: “Jade and I have invested in Gloucestershire because we believe in its people, its heritage and its future.
“This bid is about protecting our airport for the next 25 years and creating opportunities for businesses to grow.
“Our ambition is to keep jobs, investment and opportunity here, while strengthening Gloucestershire’s connections with the wider world.”
Gloucester City Council and Cheltenham Borough Council said in a joint statement they have been extremely pleased with the strong level of interest in the airport.
They said a significant number of companies have come forward with bids for it.
“A robust assessment process has been managed by the property company Savills and we expect to confirm a preferred bidder imminently,” the statement said.
“For commercial reasons, the identities of all parties will remain confidential.
“Further information will be provided in due course.”