Plans for national-first International Air and Space Institute IASTI Newark officially touch down
Plans for the country's first International Air and Space Institute (IASTI) in Newark have officially touched down.
A planning application has been submitted for IASTI® Newark following months of build up and excitement of soon having a national-first aerospace college on our very doorsteps.
The IASTI, which will be built on the former Newark Livestock Market site on Great North Road, will transform the way pilots, future astronauts, engineers and ground staff are trained and provide aspirational opportunity for youngsters in the town.
Planning documents state: "Proposed erection of a new further educational establishment for the training of young adults within the aviation and space industries.
"Along with associated infrastructure including use of an existing carpark, access, refuse area, substation and landscaping."
Demolition of the cattle market is just about finished, with the multi-million-pound project — funded as part of Newark's £25m Towns Fund allocation — set to start as soon as planning permission has been given. It is hoped the buildings will open to students in September 2023.
This new educational facility will be the first of its kind, with military and civil aviation partners including the Royal Air Force, East Midlands Airport and the National Space Centre working collectively to get more people working in the aviation and space industries.
The development will accommodate 50 carparking spaces, two new motorcycle spaces, two disabled spaces, and 37 new cycle spaces.
A flood risk assessment is to be carried out as the plans are within a flood zone. The application also states there is potential for protected and priority species and important habitats or other biodiversity features next to the site to be adversely affected.
Tom Cartledge, co-chair of Newark Towns Fund Board said: “Creating long term opportunities for the future generations of our town was the key pillar of our Towns Fund bid and so I am delighted to that the planning application for the very first IASTI in the UK has been submitted by our partner Newark College, part of Lincoln College Group.
"Along with eight other priority projects, the Towns Fund Board vision for Newark will continue to help shape our town in to somewhere people want to live, work, study and visit. It is with much excitement and anticipation that I wait for this transformational ambition to come to life in our wonderful town and the IASTI is an integral part to our future education offer.”
Lincoln College Group chief executive Gary Headland said: “I am delighted that our planning application has been submitted for this inspiring and ambitious project for Newark. Our mission is to be employer-led, producing a highly skilled and productive local workforce.
“This initiative sees bespoke programmes co-designed by the industry’s best to provide a sustainable talent pipeline. It focuses on the provision of clear vocational pathways that will create lucrative, secure careers for young people.
“With close links to many air and space sector stakeholders, it will create exciting opportunities in the military and commercial sectors.
“We want to open up aviation careers to everyone, regardless of background. Diversity, social mobility and equal opportunities are key features and pivotal to the success of the project.”
Lincoln College Group (LCG) is working in partnership with the Royal Air Force, East Midlands Airport, Inzpire, AAR, Leonardo, Eagle Eye, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance and the National Space Centre.
IASTI® Newark, currently operating out of Newark College, is the first of a national network to open and advanced talks are underway for more in other parts of the UK.
School-leavers can now apply for pilot, engineering and ground-crew courses designed with industry to fit job roles in the air and space sector.
To find out more, go to iasti-newark.co.uk/
