Scampton base up for sale

The former home of the Red Arrows is officially up for sale.

West Lindsey District Council has received formal confirmation that the former RAF Scampton site has now been placed on the open market by the Home Office.

For the council this is a significant and positive milestone in securing a sustainable future for this nationally important location and draws a clear line under previous proposals for asylum accommodation 

The sale enables West Lindsey and its partners to focus fully on the long term regeneration and protection of the site.

The sales information acknowledges both Scampton’s strategic defence value and its unique heritage, and the Council welcomes the decision to market the site as a single, complete entity.

Council Leader Cllr Jackie Brockway welcomed the news: “The confirmation that RAF Scampton is now on the open market is an important moment for our community and for this nationally significant site.

“We have always been clear that Scampton deserves a future that reflects both its strategic importance and its remarkable heritage. 

“Now that previous proposals of using the site for asylum accommodation are behind us, we can focus fully on securing the investment and regeneration the area deserves. We remain committed to playing an active role in shaping that future and ensuring the site’s potential is realised for generations to come.

“RAF Scampton is a place of profound national significance, with an enduring role in the UK’s defence story and a deeply rooted heritage that resonates locally and nationally.”

The site remains in the ownership of the Home Office, which will now follow a three stages disposal process:

• Expressions of interest invited by March 6
• Submission of detailed business plans and financial offers from shortlisted bidders
• A clarification stage leading to the selection of a preferred purchaser.

Sally Grindrod-Smith, Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities said: “The council understands that the Home Office aims to complete the transaction by November 2026. Our next step will be to seek approval from councillors to submit a formal expression of interest, working closely with our development partner, Scampton Holdings Ltd.”

Councillors responded positively in last week’s briefing with Scampton Holdings Ltd, demonstrating continued support for efforts to secure sustainable regeneration.

As part of this work, SHL continues to develop its proposals and engage with high profile investors who recognise the national significance of the opportunity.

Cllr Brockway added: “The council is committed to ensuring the site’s long term future is both protected and maximised. RAF Scampton deserves investment that honours its past and unlocks its future, and we remain focused on delivering exactly that.”

Scampton Holdings Ltd has plans which would deliver a transformational, future facing redevelopment that stands to become part of the UK’s critical national infrastructure. 

Key strengths of the proposal include:

• Alignment with the UK’s Strategic Defence Review, with private sector investment supporting national defence infrastructure and capability.
• A unique community rooted in aviation heritage, actively celebrating and promoting aviation activities.
• A skilled local workforce, shaped by Lincolnshire’s long association with RAF operations.
• A significant opportunity to build sovereign capability for UK defence and space sectors.
• A dedicated and experienced delivery team, supported by established local construction partners.
• Independent assessment confirming an overall economic benefit of £2.1bn.

The picture above shows the Red Arrows taking off for the aerobatic team’s final flight from the air base while the image below is of a formation over the site on that same flight. Pictures: MOD.