The Future
The HARS Vision and Masterplan Concept
The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) has embarked on a $100+ million masterplan for its aviation heritage precinct at Shellharbour Airport NSW.
Our heritage fleet comprises 75+ civilian and military aircraft, 20+ of which are ‘flyable’.
We currently have three hangars (Hangars 1, 2 and 3). Our masterplan updates Hangars 2 and 3 and proposes a new Hangar 4 plus two architecturally designed pavilions.
(See ‘Masterplan Precinct’ map above.)
The Vision
To create a ‘destination central’ state-of-the-art world class tourism, employment, training and renewable energy precinct at Shellharbour Airport. The vision will operate a unique and ‘interactive’ multipurpose tourism precinct for current and future generations.
BlueScope Steel Limited (BlueScope) is our main vision partner, supported by Shellharbour City Council, as having regional economic and tourism significance.
The Masterplan
Key masterplan elements
(i) generate regional and State tourism, training and employment economies
(ii) build two fit-for-purpose pavilions including open public space to complement our existing three display-maintenance hangars.
Pavilions 1 and 2 will house two ex-Qantas aircraft – a 747 and 707 – other HARS aircraft, and incorporating a conference centre, aviation training, education, research, event, and function facilities plus two levels of commercially leased office space,
(iii) refurbish and repurpose existing maintenance hangars housing the 75+ military and commercial aircraft, enabling HARS to sustain our commitment to acquiring, restoring, maintaining, displaying and flying our expanding aircraft fleet
(iv) ensure an operational footprint ‘powered’ by renewable energy
(v) create an inclusive and collaborative community engagement precinct across all masterplan elements.
New and Unique Interactive Aviation Tourism Experiences
In summary, the vision’s aim is to: (a) provide precinct-wide personal, interactive high-tech and ‘hands-on’ experiences, (b) recruit new members to ensure our aviation heritage legacy, and (c) attract a wider community interest in, knowledge of, and participation in, preserving our unique iconic aircraft fleet.
We have also begun an ‘engagement drive’ to promote Australia’s aviation heritage to schools, tertiary institutions, industry, commerce and the wider community.
MESSAGES FROM OUR MASTERPLAN SUPPORTERS
HARS CONTACT DETAILS FOR MORE INFORMATION
Bob De La Hunty OAM – President and Chief Pilot
+61(0)0433941306 delahunty@bigpond.com
Don Robertson – Masterplan Coordinator
+61(0)419682066 donrobertson1@gmail.com