Airship compAny should use Airport

A Doncaster MP is calling for the company behind a plan to build airships in the city to base themselves at the former Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

Nick Fletcher, who represents Don Valley for the Conservatives, wants Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) to build its new factory at the airport site. The company confirmed it will start producing airships in Doncaster in 2024 and eventually employ 1,200 people.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport closed in late

2022 after 17 years in operation.

Airport owners Peel Group said the airport never made a profit, but Mr Fletcher said the site would be the ideal place to build the 90m (295ft) helium-filled airships thanks to recent investment in transport.

“The beauty with the airport is we have the links - like the new Yorkshire Way road,” said Mr Fletcher.

“From there it is straight onto the motorway which is going to make it a lot easier for the company to bring the materials they need to the factory.”

HAV chief executive Tom Grundy said their plan involves investing £310m at a site in Doncaster, but a number of locations are in contention.

Staff at the airport Image caption, Doncaster Sheffield Airport closed in November 2022 after operating for 17 years

“Our plan is to start work this year, we’ll see aircraft in service with their first customers in 2026 or 2027,” Mr Grundy said.

“We are working with partners including South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to select the best possible site.”

Each aircraft would carry about 100 passengers at around 90mph (145km/h), but with a 90% reduction in carbon when compared with an aeroplane.

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has approved a £7m loan to support the company’s development plans.

Oliver Coppard, the county’s elected mayor, said: “We have a world-class cluster of companies working at the cutting edge of advanced manufacturing and green technology, so I’m genuinely excited that we can support HAV in their ambitions to build a sustainable aviation cluster here in Doncaster.”

The location of the airship factory is expected to be announced in the summer.

The city’s council is currently exploring options to buy the former airport site with a view to reopening it.

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BLADES victory pArADE tHiS WEEK

After their 2 – 0 win against West Brom last week gained them automatic promotion, Sheffield United will be celebrating with the city with a victory parade on Thursday 11 May between 5:30pm-8pm. The open top bus, which will take the team’s players and coaching staff through the streets of Sheffield, will leave Bramall Lane stadium at 5.30pm, to arrive at the Sheffield Town Hall for around 6.30pm.

With the route closed to traffic, the open top bus will travel at walking pace to allow Sheffield United to greet people along the route.

Blades supporters can join in the celebrations outside the Town Hall in a traffic free fanzone, where the team will be presented to share their success and mark the occasion with loyal fans. After the parade, the team will attend a civic reception at the Town Hall.

Lord Mayor, Sioned-Mair Richards said: “Congratulations to Sheffield United on their promotion. The victory parade is a fantastic opportunity for the team and fans to come together to celebrate the team’s success and we will be honoured to host the Blades at the Town Hall. “I’d like to remind fans to respect the city, each other and security staff if they’re coming into the city centre to watch the victory parade.”

United’s chief executive officer, Stephen Bettis, said: “Our thanks to Sheffield City Council for affording us the opportunity to celebrate our achievement with the people of the city.

“No doubt it will be a special event, we hope thousands of Unitedites will turn out to enjoy the moment with the players and management staff who have worked tremendously hard to secure this promotion.”

The bus will travel at walking pace accompanied by stewards to ensure people’s safety. People along the route are asked to adhere to the following:

• Do not follow the bus too closely. This is not only potentially very dangerous, but will also delay proceedings for the whole evening’s celebration.

• Are respectful of and listen to instructions from stewards

• Do not throw anything up in to the open top bus

During the parade some roads will be closed to allow the bus and fans to pass through. More details of the closures will be released via the council’s social channels.

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Hosts Announced for Gladiators return in Sheffield

The 11-part series will see a new generation of superhuman Gladiators compete against a brave set of contenders in the ultimate test of speed and strength.

Father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh will bring their charm, wit and onscreen chemistry to the Gladiators arena as they host the much anticipated, iconic sports entertainment show when it returns to TV, on its new home on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Gladiators has always been a huge part of the Walsh family; Donna Walsh, Barney’s mum and Bradley’s wife, was head choreographer for the Gladiator cheerleaders on the original series. Bradley, and a very young Barney were regular visitors on set, with Barney taking some of his first steps on the iconic arena floor. Not to be outdone, Bradley followed in his small son’s footsteps when he took part in a Celebrities vs Jockeys special in 1997!

Bradley Walsh says: “Wow! I can’t believe that I’ve been asked to be part of this iconic show. I used to sit backstage, or in the audience, every week watching my wife be part of this juggernaut and now I get to cohost a new version of GLADIATORS!!!

Saturday night family entertainment at its best...ARE YOU READY?!“

Barney Walsh says: “Gladiators has been a massive part of our family and it’s an honour to be asked to co-host this iconic show. I’m so excited for everyone to see the spectacle, elite athletes and fantastic family entertainment that is GLADIATORS.”

The 11-part series made by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK will see a new generation of superhuman Gladiators compete against a brave set

ALBERT SNODGRASS of contenders in the ultimate test of speed and strength. They will take part in a series of brand new games alongside classic challenges including fan-favourites DUEL, HANG TOUGH and THE ELIMINATOR.

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Audiences can be the first to experience the power of the new Gladiators at it’s new home of the Utilita Arena in Sheffield by applying for free tickets at www. utilitaarenasheffield. co.uk

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