The approval of plans for a second runway at London Gatwick by the Government has been welcomed by Croydon Council, as it signals more jobs and economic growth opportunities for the borough.
The £2.2 billion project, which is privately funded, means moving the Northern Runway 12 metres so it can be used more often. The plans also include making the airport terminals bigger – creating thousands of jobs and attracting new investment.
Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, welcomed the news – which supports Croydon’s Growth Plan for job creation and boosting the local economy.
There is a strong partnership between the Council and London Gatwick, which was formalised with the signing of an economic growth charter in 2024. The partnership works to create job and business opportunities in Croydon and to drive investment in the region through shared initiatives.
A total of 131 young people from Croydon were given the opportunity to apply for an apprenticeship, graduate programme or internship in 2024-25; whilst young people from schools and colleges visited the airport through its education programme. The airport also supported Croydon-based businesses through creating retail supply chain opportunities, bringing £265m into the Croydon economy and employing 3,680 Croydon residents.
The Executive Mayor met Stewart Wingate, then CEO of London Gatwick, this summer to get an update on the Northern Runway Project and to share Croydon’s new Growth Plan.
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said: “I am delighted that the Northern Runway
Project at London Gatwick has reached this significant milestone.
“The airport is already providing opportunities for Croydon – from upskilling young people on graduate and apprenticeship programmes to creating retail supply chain opportunities for borough businesses. The airport expansion promises to create more jobs and boost our local economy, supporting Croydon’ Growth Plan.
“I look forward to continuing our partnership with London Gatwick as we explore further opportunities for our residents and businesses to thrive.”
Stewart Wingate, now VINCI Airports Managing Director for the United Kingdom, said: “After a lengthy and rigorous planning process, we welcome the Government’s approval of plans to bring our Northern Runway into routine use, ahead of the expected deadline.
“This is another important gateway in the planning process for this £2.2bn investment, which is fully funded by our shareholders and will unlock significant growth, tourism and trade benefits for London Gatwick and the UK and create thousands of jobs.”
