
YAA looks to lift off with new base
A North Yorkshire-based air ambulance charity is expanding its lifesaving operations with a new purpose-built facility.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has begun construction on its Northern Air Support Unit at Skipton Bridge, near Thirsk.
The new base will house one of the charity’s helicopters and provide a dedicated, long-term operational hub for the northern region.
Designed to mirror the high-spec facilities at YAA’s Southern Air Support Unit at Nostell, the building will feature a clinical planning room, advanced training and simulation suite, crew accommodation, wellbeing zones and flexible meeting spaces.
Energy-efficient infrastructure is also being incorporated to ensure sustainable operations.
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 project has been made possible with major backing from The Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation, alongside savings, grant funding, philanthropic support and private donations.
Rebecca Bletcher, chair of The Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation, added: “We have been very pleased to support YAA over a number of years; the need for the amazing service it provides across our region is obvious, and there are countless examples of the combination of expertise, speed and care saving lives.
“We are delighted to now be supporting the establishment of a permanent base to underpin the vital service and to make things a little easier for the brave and skilled people who will be working there.
“We are looking forward to seeing it completed and in action.”
Ripley-based Hacs Construction has been appointed lead contractor, with project management from RLB’s Leeds office and architectural design by Group Ginger, also based in Leeds.
Construction is expected to take 45 weeks, with the internal fit-out to follow, with the YAA aiming to have the northern base fully operational by early Autumn 2026, providing stability and faster response times for emergency services across the region.
Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, added: “I’m delighted that YAA has found a permanent home for its new, Northern Air Support Unit at Skipton Bridge.
“Just about everyone I know has had friends or family who’ve benefited from this incredible service.
“The new facility secures a long-term future for YAA in our part of Yorkshire, and even greater support for communities across the north of the region.
“YAA really is a lifeline for Yorkshire and I’m proud they are investing in our area, which will ultimately save lives well into the future.”
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