Prestwick air traffic control bosses unveil new staff facility plan - and proposals to demolish Atlantic House

Paul Behan

13 June 2024 at 6:21 am·2-min read

A digital image of the new staff facility — -Credit: (Image: Submitted/Ayrshire Post)

Plans have been submitted to build a new staff facility at the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) base in Prestwick.

If approved, the new build is set to include a gym, sleeping areas, medical suite and goods in area. Agents in the proposal are Wilson & Gunn Architects and the applicant is NATS, based in Fresson Avenue.

NATS are the largest air traffic control provider in the UK, providing air traffic control at 15 airports and managing all UK upper airspace from their two ATC Centres located in Prestwick and Swanwick.

According to a planning statement the works relate to the existing ATC Centre located at Fresson Avenue, where a new staff support building is proposed. And in order to make way for the new build, Atlantic House will be demolished.

The planning statement said: “NATS have been located at Prestwick Airport since the 1970s, when they moved into Atlantic House. The Prestwick Centre was then constructed in 2009 and NATS is now delivering key ATC services from this centre.

“As a result, Atlantic House and the surrounding buildings have been primarily used for operational support services.

A glimpse of the new staff support centre -Credit:Submitted/Ayrshire Post /

“With changes brought by the Covid pandemic it has resulted in implementation of flexible working practices leaving much of Atlantic House under used.

“This, combined with the age; inflexible layout; energy inefficiency; future maintenance; running costs and restricted access (for third parties because of site security) has led NATS to the conclusion that demolition is the best way to manage this under-used resource.”

The statement continues: “The removal of Atlantic House is proposed to be demolished soon and this will open up the site to the north of the Prestwick Centre where it is proposed to locate the new staff support facility and remodel the interior of the existing “eye” entrance feature to Prestwick House.”

According to the plans, the staff support facility is to be located to the north-east of the “eye” feature of the Prestwick Centre and will comprise 682 sqm total floor area over three floors. The ground floor will be arranged with the following accommodation:

* Entrance foyer accessing stair and elevator

* Unisex changing rooms

* Toilets

* Plant Room

* Drying Room

* Storage

In conclusion, the report suggests that the proposed new staff facility building will be a “positive element” contributing and consolidating their existing operation and provide “enhanced facilities” for staff.

The plans are listed as ‘pending consideration’ on South Ayrshire Council’s online planning portal. A decision is expected towards the end of next month.

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