Terminal growth key
CONSTRUCTION of a modern airport terminal to host high-end tourists seeking unique flying experiences is among the key infrastructure projects being investigated at Lethbridge Airport.
The three-storey terminal, projected to cost $1.7 million, is envisaged to include a fire lookout and designated emergency co-ordination facilities for the CFA and other services that use the airport as a base and occasional command post.
Part of the planned overhaul of the original simple facilities at the 27year-old privately-owned airport, the proposed terminal is a key piece in a new masterplan designed to take the airport to a higher level of functionality, including as a tourist facility.
Owner Gary Baum said flight movements had doubled in less than a decade to 14,000 a year thanks in part to the sealing of a runway in 2013 which was supported by a $1 million State Government grant.
The following year the airport offered its first subdivision of land to allow private ownership and the development of hangars.
“We sold all 17 blocks in a month and they have all been built on,” Mr Baum said.
The private investment has seen the construction of high-quality, secure hangars with new owners including businesses with the capacity to offer unique tourist flying experiences and charter operations.
But Mr Baum said having a purpose-built terminal, for which he was seeking government assistance, was needed for tourist-oriented business in the airport to operate.
“We are doing a full feasibility and costing now,” he said.
The building would also include community areas and a viewing deck.
Infrastructure development at the airport has continued at pace with the addition of an $800,000 fuel depot in 2016 and construction of turn-off land off the Midland Highway at a cost of almost $1 million set to start soon.
A second subdivision of a further 17 blocks has opened this year with Mr Baum reporting that almost half had either deposits paid or were pending confirmation of sale. After getting a special purpose zoning to operate as an airport in 2011, Mr Baum said new hangars did not require further planning approval though they still needed building permits.
The airport can accommodate aircraft up to 5750kg, enough for a 10seater plane.
Another planned feature is the development of a runway with an aligned modern navigation system for improved operational efficiency.