THE American firm behind the failed bid for Manston airport says it is still in talks to buy the site and plans to use it as a cargo hub.
RiverOaks Investment Corp LLC, of Stamford Connecticut, says the experience of one of its senior team members in refinancing Alliance Fort Worth Airport in Texas has proven cargo-led airports can be viable.
Alliance Fort Worth is owned by the City of Fort Worth and operated by privately-held Alliance Aviation Services, a subsidiary of Hillwood Development Company, LLC.
It is the world’s first industrial airport and is the centrepiece of a 17,000 acre development known as AllianceTexas , which includes homes, inland port transportation, office complexes, shops, schools and churches as well as the airport.
The site, first planned as a reliever airport until discussions turned to an industrial project, first opened in 1989 and now handles more than 137,600 operations per year.
Major tenants include BNSF Railway, Bell Helicopter Textron, Drug Enforcement Administration, DynCorp International andFedEx Express.
RiverOak spokesman Tony Freudmann, previously the senior vice president of the Planestation group, said: “RiverOak have advised that one of their executives was involved in a major refinancing exercise for Alliance Fort Worth Airport in Texas a few years ago. It is an entirely cargo airport (apart from general aviation). It was that exercise and a careful analysis of what has happened since which taught RiverOak that cargo hubs can be successful in their own right and also gave them important links with some of the major users of Alliance Fort Worth.
“They see Manston as a cargo hub. They want to develop its existing perishables business, for which it enjoys an excellent reputation. They also plan to persuade those carriers who fly freighters into Heathrow to switch to Manston. In addition they plan to use their established relationships via Alliance Fort Worth to bring in new business.
“They are not ruling out passenger traffic in the medium to long term, but for now cargo will be the priority.”
RiverOaks had a £5 million offer for the airport rejected this month. Last Tuesday it was announced the airport would close on May 15.
But Mr Freudmann has confirmed there is “ongoing dialogue” between the company and owner Ann Gloag’s representatives.
By: Brenden S - 24th November 2017 at 06:49
Re use of the runway until all the muppets complain about the noise!!!!
By: paul1867 - 19th November 2017 at 21:45
Following a deafening silence from both sides the latest move by Mrs. Gloag’s side now uses one of the key words “heritage”. Just need the other key word, “education” and they think they will be good to make Heritage Lottery application.:D
By: paul1867 - 4th July 2016 at 13:59
Let battle commence. With the release of their Master Plan, oh sorry, scoping report, RiverOak appear now to be getting their ducks in a row for what, no doubt, will be a big battle, I am sure Mrs. Gloag will not give her investment up easily. With the London airport expansion on hold following Brexit will this privately funded venture come along at just the right time.
Sit back and watch the sparks at least walk if not fly.
The report itself
Haven’t read it yet and as we are leaving for what is reportedly going to be a sunny Gloucestershire/Hampshire for two weeks.
By: paul1867 - 2nd June 2016 at 13:10
A rush (rash) of news as Stone Hill Park release their latest and, alleged, final “masterplan” which is illustrative.
Meanwhile back at the site a sit in protest has started:D Rumour has it that the metal re-cycling business is resuming on the site.:D
By: paul1867 - 31st May 2016 at 12:22
News update
and Manston centenary event
By: paul1867 - 13th May 2016 at 12:33
Stone Hill Park ready to submit planning application with comment by local MP
“Early responses to the Thanet Draft Local Plan are now on the Thanet council website. In responses to Manston of the 504 residents who commented, 415 (82%) were for reopening the airport and 89 (18%) against.”
By: charliehunt - 15th April 2016 at 22:12
Now back in the national press.
By: paul1867 - 13th April 2016 at 16:33
SAR will now not relocate to Manston from Lydd and more interesting info re the two museums and RiverOak.
By: paul1867 - 7th April 2016 at 16:30
Hi Moggy I see reports of your demise were somewhat exaggerated I am pleased to say I would have missed your biting wit!!:D
By: paul1867 - 7th April 2016 at 16:27
I saw it as a public relations stunt Charlie. I cannot remember where I read this and, of course, it was media report so not reliable.
Take your point about Mrs Gloag though.
By: charliehunt - 7th April 2016 at 16:12
I believe that the land is owned by the current owners and they have guaranteed the museums’ existence post development. But as with much to do with the Manston saga, that might not be the case. The thought of Mrs Gloag gifting anything to anyone……..
Thank you for your kind remarks in #104, Paul.
By: paul1867 - 7th April 2016 at 13:27
In the Thanetgazette post #100 it mentions that RiverOak would want to relocate the two museums. Am I wrong in understanding that the land on which they stand was gifted to them by Mrs Goag et al or was it just tenure?
By: paul1867 - 7th April 2016 at 13:12
Very sorry to hear that Charlie, I wish you both well.
A bit more from Thanet’
I not that the LDC are not granting permission other than for airport use but, as far as I am aware you do not need planning approval for demolition, although I haven’t checked to see if this applies in a case such as this.
By: charliehunt - 31st March 2016 at 15:27
Manage to pop up now and then, Paul. Ah – similar struggles here but with Mrs CH sadly needing more from an embattled NHS, than it is able to supply…….:)
By: paul1867 - 31st March 2016 at 14:53
Indeed Charlie.
Long time no see. Hope you are well. We are down in Bromley struggling with the health care system regarding she who must be obeyed’s mother. (have I got the apostrophe right there?)
By: charliehunt - 31st March 2016 at 14:25
And so the wheels grind remorselessly on but to what end, I wonder. If the decision goes against the developers I can see them appealing and so another two or three years will pass….all very depressing isn’t it? 🙁
By: paul1867 - 31st March 2016 at 12:22
Radar being dismantled.
American firm RiverOak, twice rejected by Thanet council as an indemnity partner, has submitted a pre-application Development Consent Order (DCO), to bypass Thanet council by taking their case to central government.
In recent weeks, RiverOak has met with the Department for Transport (DfT) and with the Planning Inspectorate to discuss their DCO application.
The American firm discussed the potential for compulsory acquisition of land currently associated with two operational museums as the land could be required in respect of highways improvement. However, the minutes stated RiverOak noted their intention that the museums would be provided with upgraded facilities as part of its development.
Read more: http://www.thanetgazette.co.uk/Manston-airport-radar-removed/story-29019835-detail/story.html#ixzz44TjtPkau
Follow us: @ThanetGazette on Twitter | thanetgroup on Facebook
By: paul1867 - 26th February 2016 at 13:27
By: paul1867 - 12th February 2016 at 14:15
I wonder who will turn up to this?
Sign In
May 11, 2014 at 7:19 pm
