Architect GHM Rock Townsend has been selected as masterplanner for a 220 ha aerodrome site near Guildford, Surrey.
The firm was chosen by developer Rutland Group, which bought the Dunsfold aerodrome site with

joint-venture partner Royal Bank

of Scotland from landowner BAE Systems in September.

Rutland is initially applying to Waverley council to use a 22 ha area for commercial development.

The developer also plans to use 39,019 m2 of existing office and warehousing space on the site 鈥� 10% of the total area 鈥� as well as creating extensive public spaces and nature reserves.

In addition, Rutland is looking to provide housing and leisure facilities. The site will also include a base for the BBC鈥檚 Top Gear car programme.

Rutland, which is project manager and planning consultant as well as developer, said it would be consulting residents extensively.

Project director Peter Farnfield said the company planned to

create a vibrant mixed-use

business park. He said: 鈥淭here is

no other location quite like this, combining the commercial advantage of a brownfield site surrounded by such stunning countryside.鈥�

The site was built by the Canadian airforce during the Second World War in 22 weeks. BAE subsequently used the base to develop the Harrier jump jet.