San Javier's former airport prepares for space-age transformation

The old airport is being given a new purpose, with space for innovative companies, training facilities and a European Space Agency incubator

Plans to transform San Javier's former airport into an aerospace and satellite technology centre are moving into their next chapter, with work on the site now nearing completion.

The former Technical Block is being converted into a business and training centre as part of the Region of Murcia's CAETRA programme. The project will support companies working in aerospace and satellite technologies while creating space for new businesses and specialist training.

Regional Minister for Enterprise, Employment and the Social Economy, Luis Alberto Marín, visited the site on Wednesday August 5 alongside San Javier Mayor José Miguel Luengo to see how work is progressing.

Space for businesses and training

The redevelopment covers around 4,080 square metres, including the building itself and the surrounding outdoor areas.

When it opens, the centre will have room for between six and eight businesses in flexible units. It will also include two training classrooms, meeting rooms, offices, storage space, a multi-purpose room and telecommunications facilities.

The site will also become home to the new ESA BIC Región de Murcia incubator, part of the European Space Agency's network supporting start-ups that use space technology to develop products and services for other industries.

The centre is also expected to host specialist courses in satellite technology and business acceleration programmes, alongside innovative SMEs, university projects and technology companies.

Outside, work includes improvements to green areas, parking, lighting and the installation of CCTV, alarm systems and fire protection. Giving the airport a new purpose, Marín said the project is about much more than simply renovating an old airport building.

"We're not just rehabilitating a building, we're creating the conditions needed for ideas to become businesses and for technology developed in the Region to find new applications in the market."

He added: "Where civilian flights once came to an end, a new journey for business projects is about to begin, with the potential to grow, create skilled jobs and compete in one of the technology sectors with the greatest potential."

Luengo said the project gives new purpose to a site that was the Region of Murcia's civilian airport for almost 50 years before it closed.

"A project with a lot of future is about to take off," he said. "These facilities needed a new purpose after the wound their closure left for everyone in San Javier. We couldn't bring just any project here. It had to be one that genuinely creates opportunities for San Javier."

In addition to providing a base for businesses, the project is expected to strengthen San Javier's links with the aerospace sector, building on its longstanding association with the Air and Space General Academy and bringing the Region of Murcia into the European Space Agency's business incubation network.

Images: San Javier Town Hall