BAE Systems today announced that it had sold its Woodford Site, in Cheshire to Avro Heritage Limited, a company jointly owned by JCB heir Jo Bamford and Harry Harvey. The sale is effective immediately.

Avro Heritage Limited has vowed to ensure that Woodford’s proud association with the aviation industry is reflected in the future development of the site.

On completion of the sale Jim Welsh, BAE Systems said: “BAE Systems has a long and proud association with Woodford and although disappointed to be leaving the site we are happy that the new owners have exciting plans for this historically important site.

James Fletcher for Avro Heritage Limited said: “We are honoured to take ownership of such a historic site and we will endeavour to ensure its past is not forgotten.

“We have many exciting plans for the site which will hopefully create new jobs and provide the local community with much needed leisure facilities.”

BAE Systems and its predecessor companies has had a presence at the Woodford site since 1924 and during the last 90 years has seen in excess of 20,000 aircraft being built at the facility include the Lancaster Bomber, Canberra, Vulcan, Nimrod and Avro jets.

As part of the sale, the Golf Club and Heritage Centre are in the process of extending their leases to remain on the site.

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