UPDATE @ 11:59am Of course this is an April Fools joke (for now anyway but in the future all towns will have one!)
Tamworth is to take to the skies with a new drone-port to be built on the edge of the town. The project is the brainchild of Chris Shaw, managing director of established local drone company Tamworth based Pesky Seagull Aerial Photography & Video who has recently concluded the purchase of the lady meadow site between Ventura park and the castle for an undisclosed sum.
Chris who has spent 26 years in the aviation industry has also secured a further £2.5 million of private investment to make the dream a reality.
"Mercia Drone Port" as it will be known to reflect the towns rich history will initially have 4 fixed launch pads plus a mini runway, although the site will be designed with future expansion in mind.
Already in advanced talks with potential customers including the likes of Amazon and FedEx who are soon commencing drone deliveries, Pesky Seagull see Tamworth as the perfect strategic location for with proximities to the huge Birch Coppice distribution centre and the major road networks. Small hangars will be constructed for maintenance plus a state of the art warehouse and flight operations centre. Flood defences and security fences will be erected.
Chris has set his sights to future operations. “Initially our focus will be on drone deliveries however we are nearly at the point that “flying taxis” will soon be a reality and this forms part of the long term plan.
Chris has already held preliminary discussions with regulators including the CAA and the transport secretary who have both voiced their support for the project that will see the CAA licensed aerial photography and video company transition to become a major player under the certified category.
Tamworth Council have welcomed the proposal that will ensure Tamworth remains at the forefront of future opportunities as well as creating local jobs in construction and operations.
“The development of lady meadow site for such an innovative and exciting use will future proof Tamworth for generations. “Drone technology is a complete game changer, offering zero emissions and reducing congestion”
Chris envisages cargo operations to commence within 18 months and passengers within 5 years as technology becomes more mainstream. A tender will go live by the end of the month for local companies to express their interest in the development works.
For more information please contact ops@peskyseagull.co.uk
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