Town's airport plans will attract global tourist trade

An artists impression of a plane at the new Botany Bay airport

Chorley is piloting an ambitious plan to attract international tourists to the borough by announcing a new airport as part of the redevelopment at Botany Bay.

The proposal comes as Chorley Council launches its new checkoutchorley.com website showcasing what the area has to offer to visitors.

The airport and terminal would become the only commercial airport in Lancashire following the closure of Blackpool Airport in 2014.

Messina Round, spokesman for Chorley Council said: “We’re launching a new tourism campaign with the unveiling of our checkoutchorley.com website today and we thought this was an ideal time to find out what people think of our plans to create an airport in Chorley.

“Geographically, we are the central point of the North West and with excellent transport links by rail and road we think this would really open up Chorley and the rest of Lancashire as a tourist destination.

“We are surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in the region which is ideal for walking and cycling, we have a busting town centre, beautiful canals, historic halls and there is a year-round events programme with something for everyone.”

The plans for the Chorley International airport come as work is taking place on a masterplan for the Botany Bay site.

Ms Round added: “The runway could run parallel to the canal with a terminal able to handle up to 20 flights per day.

“We’d also encourage people to take a look at our new tourism website checkoutchorley.com, which launches today.”

The first flight routes proposed from Chorley International include Poolin-Ma-Legg in China, Joakerr in Bulgaria and Asif in the Middle East.