Why Is Yorkshire Air Ambulance Building A New Airbase Near Skipton?

Anyone who lives in or has visited Yorkshire knows the sight - that bright yellow helicopter in the sky. It's a symbol of hope, a sign that help is on its way. But have you ever wondered where those helicopters and their amazing crews call home?

Well, on 4th October 2025, something huge happened for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. The charity officially started the construction of a brand-new home for its northern team, a project that will secure its life-saving work for many years to come. This isn't just about a new building; it's about creating a solid foundation for the future, ensuring the crew has the best possible support to continue their incredible work across the region.

A massive milestone for Yorkshire's flying medics

Starting to build a new home is a big deal for anyone, and for a charity like the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, it's a massive moment. They've officially "broken ground" on their new Northern Air Support Unit. What does that mean? Basically, the diggers have moved in, and the first bits of soil have been turned at the site near Skipton Bridge, just outside Thirsk. This is more than just laying bricks; it's the result of years of planning, hoping, and hard work. For an organisation that flies into action every single day, having a permanent, purpose-built base provides incredible stability.

This project has been a long time in the making. Mike Harrop, the chairman of the charity, described it as a truly significant achievement. He 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.

" It's clear just how much this means to the entire team. He added, "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."

So, what's actually being built?

This isn't just a fancy garage for a helicopter. The new facility is a state-of-the-art hub designed to support every aspect of the air ambulance service. Think of it as a life-saving headquarters. Inside, there will be a clinical planning room where crews can map out their missions with precision. There's also an advanced training and simulation suite. This is like a high-tech video game for medics, allowing them to practise complex procedures in a safe, controlled environment, so they're ready for anything when a real emergency call comes in.

The building will also provide proper crew accommodation. The pilots, paramedics, and doctors often work long, stressful shifts, and having a comfortable place to rest and recharge is essential for their wellbeing. Speaking of wellbeing, the plans include dedicated zones for just that. The whole building is being designed with an energy-efficient infrastructure, which is not only great for the environment but also helps the charity save money on running costs-money that can be put straight back into saving lives. It's a smart build that supports the people who provide such vital support to the public.

A permanent home in North Yorkshire

Having a permanent base in the northern part of the county is a game-changer. For years, the charity has worked to establish a long-term home here, and this new airbase at Skipton Bridge makes that a reality. It guarantees that one of its air ambulance helicopters will always be based in the heart of North Yorkshire, ready to respond to emergencies across the vast and often rural region. This stability ensures the service can operate efficiently for the foreseeable future.

Local MP Kevin Hollinrake understands just how important this is for the community. He shared his thoughts on the project: "I'm delighted that Yorkshire Air Ambulance 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." He highlighted the importance of this investment for the entire area, stating, "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."

How is this amazing project paid for?

A big question for a big project is always about the money. Building a state-of-the-art airbase doesn't come cheap; this one is a £9 million project. Since the Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a charity, it doesn't receive government funding for its daily operations. Instead, it relies on the generosity of the public and supporters. The funding for this new build is a perfect example of a community coming together.

The main supporter for this incredible build is The Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation, who are the lead funder. Their generous support has made breaking ground on the site possible. The rest of the cost is being covered by a mix of the charity's own pre-planned savings and investments, grants from other organisations, and of course, philanthropic support and private donations from people who believe in the work the air ambulance does. It's a real team effort, showing just how much people across Yorkshire value this life-saving service.

The team behind the build

Bringing a project of this scale to life requires a team of experts. To ensure everything is done to the highest standard, the charity has brought in some top local talent. The lead contractor for the construction is Ripley-based Hacs Construction. They were chosen after a detailed selection process to manage the actual build of the facility.

The design of the building itself-the blueprint for this amazing new airbase-was created by Group Ginger, a firm of architects based in Leeds. It's fantastic to see a Yorkshire project being built by Yorkshire companies, for the benefit of everyone in the county. The entire process has been managed and overseen by the Leeds office of RLB, ensuring the build runs smoothly from start to finish. This collaboration is key to delivering a facility that will serve the region for decades.

When will it be ready?

Now that construction is underway, the next big question is when the team will be able to move in. The main build programme is expected to take around 45 weeks. After that, the internal fit-out will begin-that's when all the specialist equipment, training suites, and crew accommodation will be installed. If all goes to plan, the charity hopes to have its northern air ambulance team fully operational from their new home in early autumn 2026.

It's an exciting timeline that will see this vision become a reality in a relatively short space of time. For the crew and the entire Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity, moving into this new facility will mark the beginning of a new chapter, one that promises an even brighter future of saving lives across Yorkshire. The new northern base represents a huge step forward, ensuring this essential emergency service has the support and infrastructure it needs to thrive.