Why the change in position on the Doncaster Sheffield Airport lease renegotiation deadline?
The ongoing saga to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) is continuing to erode confidence. It was never going to be a straightforward project and there are multiple complex hurdles for local leaders to clear.
This newspaper has in the past acknowledged their efforts to get the project as far as they have. But it is becoming evident that the lease renegotiation has become a stumbling block.
While officials say that “there is nothing to suggest that the project isn’t on track”, the distinct lack of clarity on when the lease renegotiation will be resolved is disconcerting.
What’s even more concerning is that councillors were reportedly told in July that the current funding for the project is due to run out in September and that the lease renegotiation would need to conclude by the time the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) board meeting takes place. Otherwise the project would run out of money. That meeting is due to take place on Tuesday.
But now the goalposts have shifted and the money supposedly won’t run out this month. Why the change of position?
The lack of clarity will only fuel speculation around DSA. When so much public money is at stake, that is not a good place for the project to be.
Commercial leases can be complex and by their very nature require confidential discussions. However, when it comes to such a high profile project, taxpayers would be forgiven for becoming jittery as a result of prolonged silence.
The sooner there is clarity, the better for everyone involved.