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DUXFORD’S
NEXT CHAPTER

At the heart of South Cambridgeshire, Duxford AvTech will create a new home for sustainable aviation technology alongside a new IWM Lab – a facility designed to protect and showcase IWM’s historic collections.

Led by HBD in partnership with IWM Duxford and Gonville & Caius College (University of Cambridge), the project will build on Duxford’s heritage while embracing pioneering aviation innovation.

This ambitious project will continue Duxford’s proud aviation legacy while advancing the future of flight – developing cleaner, quieter, low-carbon technologies that will define the next generation of aviation.

About the project

Our proposals will deliver a new aviation technology campus supporting the development of cleaner, quieter and more sustainable flight. Located alongside the historic Duxford airfield, the proposals bring research, testing, engineering and manufacturing together in one place.

The campus will provide flexible buildings for aviation research and development, production and testing, alongside shared amenities and social spaces that encourage collaboration. Designed to evolve over time, it will respond to the needs of a fast-moving industry while respecting its historic surroundings.

The development will be delivered in phases, starting with the new IWM Lab and the first AvTech building, allowing early benefits to be realised while supporting long-term innovation at Duxford.

If you were unable to attend our consultation events at IWM Duxford, please click the button below to download our exhibition material we presented to the public:

Download exhibition material

Duxford AvTech will:

  • Underpin IWM Duxford’s long-term resilience through stable, financial return

  • Deliver a new IWM Lab, an energy-efficient collections and conservation facility with guided viewing areas and training opportunities

  • Build on Duxford’s proud heritage as Britain’s best-preserved WWII airfield

  • Create around 1,200 new full-time jobs in research, engineering and operations

  • Contribute £64 million annually to the local and regional economy

  • Strengthen Cambridgeshire’s role as a leader in British innovation

Set alongside IWM Duxford’s historic airfield, it brings together Cambridge’s world-class research (including the Whittle Laboratory) with Duxford’s proud aviation heritage and Cambridge’s legacy of innovation.

A key part of the project, the new IWM Lab, will provide an energy-efficient facility to help preserve and store IWM’s historic collection of over 400 pieces. Housing the collection on-site will also enable the Lab to welcome more visitors for guided tours, open days, and specialist conservation training and apprenticeships to support the long-term care of the collection.

Why Duxford?

Low-carbon aviation is an exciting, emerging industry in the UK. With its unique mix of heritage, research excellence and airfield access, Duxford is perfectly placed to be at the forefront of the UK’s future in sustainable flight.

Cambridge is already home to a rich ecosystem of world-class technology and innovation spaces, spanning life sciences, advanced manufacturing and AgriTech.

Duxford AvTech will further strengthen Cambridge and help continue to attract top talent and drive investment into the city and country.

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Engaging the community

We know how important IWM Duxford is to residents, visitors, and everyone who values its heritage.

We’re committed to engaging the local community, listening to your feedback and using it to help us refine our proposals ahead of an anticipated planning submission in 2026.

thank you to those who came to our consultation events

Our consultation on our vision and emerging plans for Duxford AvTech took place throughout January and February 2026. We are now taking the time to review and consider your feedback as we progress with the design development.

We are now taking the time to review and consider your feedback as we progress with the design development. Here’s what you said:

• Support the overall vision for Duxford AvTech
• Value Duxford’s heritage
• Want further research into traffic impacts
• Welcome local jobs and skills training
• Want more information about the AvTech industry and potential future tenants

We’d love to hear any additional feedback you may have. Please send your thoughts to duxfordavtech@thisislca.com. You can also get in touch if you’d like to join our mailing list for the latest project updates.

Contact us

duxfordavtech@thisislca.com
Phone 0800 044 3916