Construction has begun on Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s new Northern Air Support Unit near Thirsk. The Skipton Bridge site will provide a permanent base for one of the charity’s air ambulance helicopters and mirror the advanced facilities at its existing southern base in Wakefield.
The purpose-built complex will feature energy-efficient infrastructure, a clinical planning room, simulation and training areas, crew accommodation, and dedicated wellbeing and meeting spaces. It aims to enhance operational efficiency and long-term stability for the charity’s emergency response services across the region.
Mike Harrop, Chairman of YAA said: “Breaking ground on this project is a huge milestone for YAA. We have been working towards this for many years now, and at various points we didn’t even know if we’d even get to this stage. A huge amount of hard work has gone in behind the scenes to get us here and knowing that we’re bringing to life the Charity’s vision to secure our long-term future in the northern part of the region is wonderful. Everyone in Yorkshire will benefit from this build project.”
The £9 million development received planning approval from North Yorkshire Council in July and is supported by funding from The Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation, alongside pre-planned savings, investments, grants, and private donations.
Once complete, the facility will strengthen the charity’s ability to deliver critical care services across northern Yorkshire, reducing response times and ensuring continuity of operations in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
