BRUNSWICK

The authority that oversees redevelopment of the former Brunswick Naval Air Station is continuing to market the former base to manufacturing aerospace and composite companies, even as eateries, child-care, and social service entities are moving in.

“We’re still focused on target industries — advanced composites, biotech and IT. We have a busy fall going to trade shows and conferences. We’re aggressively trying to attract new business,” said Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Steve Levesque.

In July, the Brunswick Planning Board approved a common development plan that would help pave the way for $20 million of development on 19 acres near the former base’s main entrance. New businesses would include a veterinary clinic, convenience store and gas station, bank, restaurant and two office buildings.

That development is being undertaken by Priority Real Estate Group of Topsham, which on Monday announced the completion of a $1.8 million, second-phase development at the Providence Service Corporation campus at Brunswick Landing.

“We have to have a blend, some supporting entities, a couple of gas stations, and food service,” said Levesque, regarding future uses at Brunswick Landing. “I don’t envision ever having big box stores, but we will have some medical office uses.”

Existing manufacturing, research and development companies already at Brunswick Landing include Mölnlycke Health Care, Kestrel Aircraft, Maine Tool and Machine, Tempus Jets and RollEase.

RollEase, a window covering company, this year opened an 11,000- square-foot research and development center in order to build and test new products.

Peregrine Turbine Technologies will also have a presence at Brunswick Landing, said Levesque, where it will design highefficiency turbine engines.

Renovations are underway at the site of TechPlace that allows entrepreneurs and small startup technology companies to share manufacturing workspace.

Levesque said that up to six entities have expressed interest in leasing space at TechPlace before MRRA has started actively marketing the facility. Those include a composites company, an information technologies company, a biotech company, “and we have an energy company or two.”

“There are $4 million worth of projects happening in the next year,” said Levesque.

Hangar improvements are ongoing and a new snow removal equipment building is under construction, said Levesque.

Meanwhile, other changes at Brunswick Landing continue.

MRRA last month moved its headquarters from Hangar 6 on 2 Pegasus St. to 15 Terminal Road, where it shares the former terminal and control tower with FlightLevel Aviation, the fixed base operator for Brunswick Executive Airport.

The authority has also formally acquired another, newer and larger control tower from the Navy located at the west side of the airfield. Less than 10 years old, the 15,661-square-foot tower is located on 10 acres of land isolated from much of Brunswick Landing. Levesque said the building could be used by an aerospace company looking for a secure research and development facility.

Also in recent days, workers could be seen removing a mile of chain-link fence installed by the Navy along Bath Road. The security fence is being replaced with a wooden guardrail.

jswinconeck@timesrecord.com