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Croydon businesses must "take advantage of Gatwick expansion"
Published: 2010-02-02 09:51:37
Croydon must be ready to pounce on new business opportunities offered by Gatwick Airport, says the borough's regeneration boss. (Sourced from the Croydon Advertiser.)
Councillor Steve O'Connell stressed the need to take advantage of Croydon's proximity to an international airport after the council's cabinet approved an updated version of the town's economic strategy last month.
Cllr O'Connell, cabinet member for regeneration, warned that the Gatwick Diamond – which centres around the airport and Crawley – could affect Croydon in two ways. He explained: "Whether or not the airport gets a second runway there is no doubt that it is going to expand, bringing with it new business opportunities.
"There is a danger that the expansion could sponge up jobs away from Croydon but I prefer to look on it as an opportunity."
Expansion, he said, would mean a need for new business premises, training complexes and conference facilities. And he believes there would be problems with these services being provided extensively in the Gatwick area, because of protected Green Belt land there.
Cllr O'Connell added: "We must be ready to go and say to these businesses that we have a ready-made infrastructure here in Croydon to meet their needs."
He said Croydon's transport links meant that by train it was just 15 minutes from the airport and only slightly longer to central London. The town also has sites for expansion, excellent shopping facilities and good housing, with more planned for the town centre.
To read the full story click here.