Ryebridge pledged its support for the expansion of London Luton Airport at a high-profile event held at the House of Lords.
The reception was organised by the East of England all-party Parliamentary group and airport owners Luton Rising to explore how key infrastructure development in Luton has the potential to unlock economic growth across the region.
It took place in the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace, overlooking the River Thames and providing breathtaking views of various London landmarks.
The packed event was hosted by the co-chair of the East of England All-Party Parliamentary Group, Jess Asato MP ahead of April’s decision on whether LLA is given the go-ahead to expand its capacity from 19 million passengers per year to 32 million by the mid-2040s, unlocking £1.5 billion in economic growth.
A Development Consent Order (DCO) was submitted by Luton Rising in February 2023 because the proposal is considered to be of such a size and scale that it is considered a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project.
Ms Asato spoke ahead of a panel discussion featuring the chief executive of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Alasdair Reisner, LLA chief executive Alberto Martin, Wizz Air UK managing director Marion Geoffroy, the chief executive of the Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation Karen Perkins, and Luton Borough Council leader Cllr Hazel Simmons.
Ms Asato said: “To achieve the East's full potential, the Government must invest in core areas of infrastructure, digital connectivity, water and energy, housing, climate mitigation and of course transport.
“It is because of this need for investment in transport infrastructure that we've come together today to discuss the immense contribution that investment in Luton Airport can bring to both the town and, as I said, the wider region.
“It is estimated that the proposed expansion will provide 11,000 new jobs at the airport and in the supply chain and an additional £1.5 billion to the economy each year with up to an additional £13 million per year for vital community causes.”
Luton Borough Council leader Cllr Hazel Simmons
Cllr Simmons explained why the airport expansion was vital to tackling poverty in the town: “The heartbreaking reality is that almost 10 per cent of households in Luton are living in deprivation and a further 12 per cent struggling to meet basic needs, this is why the expansion of Luton Airport - our major asset - is central to our plans.
“Everything that we do is aimed at working with our partners to create a town where everyone can thrive and no one lives in poverty. I know this seems a very bold and ambitious vision, but if we don't tackle poverty head-on, we will not improve and change people's life chances and their opportunities for the future.”
She said expansion would trigger the biggest job creation programme in a generation, with high quality, well-paid employment that will raise living standards and help people improve their lives, and would also see an additional £13m per year invested into the voluntary and community sector across Luton and neighbouring areas.
“Luton is a town with ambition, with heart and with determination. We have seen tough times and believe that the wealth, skills and jobs that will be created by the expansion of our airport will provide the potential to transform the lives of our residents in Luton and across the region.”
The reception concluded with an opportunity for guests to sign a placard reflecting their support of the DCO.
Ryebridge Construction has worked alongside LLA since 2009, with work including civils and building construction and specialist maintenance services within all areas of the premises, both landside and airside, including snow clearance, taxiway maintenance and annual runway works.
Ryebridge managing director Sean Scully
Speaking afterwards, managing director Sean Scully said: “There was a who’s who of Luton’s key stakeholders at this reception, which took place in the glorious sunshine on a terrace overlooking the Thames, and we are proud to include ourselves among their number.
“The company recognises the very real benefits airport expansion will bring to the people living and working in Luton – it’s no exaggeration to say that it will be truly transformational.
“Ryebridge is happy to publicly support the DCO and have a presence at events like this to strengthen the campaign for expansion.”
