AIRPORT UPGRADE ’BEFITTING’ LEADING TOURISM DESTINATION
THE first aerobridges connecting planes to the terminal will be built at Gold Coast Airport as part of its $370 million redevelopment.
Airport bosses yesterday unveiled the new terminal designs, which will be expanded with a third storey.
The aerobridges will be built to the south of the existing terminal as part of an expansion set to begin in coming months.
Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said the development would give the terminal a new lease of life.
“Gold Coast Airport looks after 6.6 million passengers a year and this will more than double by 2037,” he said.
“The existing terminal is operating beyond capacity. This expansion will not only help us meet demand, it will create an entry point to the city befitting the nation’s leading tourism region.”
About 1500 jobs will be created as part of the construction process.
The new terminal will double the floor area of the existing terminal and offer more flexibility to service domestic and international services, depending on demand.
It is expected to open to passengers in 2021.
By 2037 the airport will contribute $818 million annually to the region and support 20,000 full-time jobs.
Property and infrastructure group Lendlease today will be appointed as the project’s developer.
The expansion is the next stage of the precinct upgrade which began last year with more parking in time for the Commonwealth Games.
The first sod was recently turned on the $50 million Rydges hotel at the airport.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the project would support growth of the sector on the Gold Coast.
“First impressions are everything. That’s why this project is so important when it comes to giving tourists a great experience on the Gold Coast,” she said. “Ensuring tourists have easy access to the Coast is crucial when it comes to growing the local tourism industry.”