Flying success at Gloucester Business Park as occupiers mark 70 years of aviation history
7 June 2011
Gloucester Business Park, which is owned, developed and managed by global property group Goodman, hosted a commemorative event for its customers to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the inaugural flight of Britain’s jet aircraft- the E28 Gloster Whittle- designed and built at Gloucester Business Park and powered by Sir Frank Whittle’s turbo jet engine.
The lunchtime event, hosted by Goodman, gave park customers a chance to step back in history and learn about the role Gloucester played in the aviation industry. Gloucester Business Park now occupies the site which was originally the Gloster Aircraft Company’s Brockworth Airfield, the site where the first British jet aircraft was designed and built.
As part of the celebrations, Gloucester Business Park customers were treated to an impressive aerobatic display by the local Prestbury Model Flying Club. The Jet Age Museum, Gloucester, brought along a full scale replica of the E28 Gloster Whittle to the Park whilst Museum volunteers were on hand to give customers further information about the rich heritage of their workplace.
Local Gloucester resident Jim Hunt, who was an apprentice at a former aircraft factory on the site, was invited to plant a commemorative tree in the grounds of the Park. He himself worked on Albemarle aircraft in the former Shadow Factory which is now occupied by manufacturing company Invista. Representatives from the Royal International Air Tattoo promoted tickets for their event in July which is the world’s largest military airshow and Brockworth-based caterers Hedley’s provided food and drinks for occupiers to enjoy throughout the event.
Richard Potter, Property Services Director at Goodman commented, “Gloucester Business Park is one of the most prestigious places to work in Gloucester and is situated in an area steeped in history and achievement. Sir Frank Whittle’s jet engine revolutionised air travel and the design of British fighter aircraft from World War 2 to the present day. We wanted to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the jet engine’s first flight in a way that would bring our customer community together for a fun-filled event to learn more about the history of their workplace.”
Darren Lewington, Operations Director at Gloucestershire Airport and volunteer for the Jet Age Museum commented, “The Jet Age Museum are delighted that Goodman chose to commemorate such a rich part of Gloucester’s history. We are thrilled to be able to display the E28 aircraft at Gloucester Business Park just yards from its historic home and give customers at the Park a chance to be involved in celebrating one of the most important pieces of engineering in our history.”
Located between Gloucester and Cheltenham, Gloucester Business Park is easily accessible for both business travel and commuting. The park offers Grade A office space alongside the M5 and A417 dual carriageway, and park provides fast access to destinations in the Midlands, North, Wales, South West and South East.