Airport food outlets to close
‘‘We are currently working closely with our staff as we support them during this period of transition.’’ Delaware North spokesman
The food court at the heart of Wellington Airport will close in a month, leaving those who work there facing unemployment.
Wellington Airport spokesman Greg Thomas said a $15 million main terminal refurbishment means the five food outlets that wrap around an air conditioning unit in the middle of the terminal will close.
Delaware North, which owns the five food outlets, said in a statement that Wellington Airport told them last week the company’s contract, which expires on March 31, would not be renewed.
A company spokesman declined to comment on how many jobs are affected. At least 20 people could be seen working at the food court during a visit by Stuff yesterday.
‘‘Upon learning of the decision, we immediately notified all affected team members. We are currently working closely with our staff as we support them during this period of transition.’’
Outlets closing are Red Rocks, The Bean Hive, Freshbites, Billy Chu and Curry Capital. The air conditioning unit they surround will be removed as the first stage of a 12-month refurbishment of the airport’s main terminal.
It is the second air conditioning unit being moved into the ceiling space. The first one, about 250 square metres in size, took about three months to shift.
The work affected a cafe that was relocated nearby and a bar closed and was replaced by a new temporary bar, Fortune Favours.
It is understood many of the employees who work at the food and beverage outlets have received redundancy notices and will operate under fixed-term contracts to March 31.
Delaware North staff approached by Stuff said they were barred from speaking to media.
Thomas said in many cases when changes in operators occur, staff are re-employed by new or existing retail or food and beverage operators at the airport.
A tender process is under way for a mix of pop-up and permanent food and beverage and retail outlets that will launch over the next 12 months, he said.
Wellington Airport has more than 30 retail or food and beverage concessionaires.
Thomas said the operators of concessionaires change from time-to-time and ‘‘we are continually reviewing and upgrading the services and products on offer to ensure they meet the needs of our travellers’’.
Wellington Airport refurbishment within the main terminal will be its biggest facelift since it opened in 1999.
Thomas said they are working on the staging and tender process for retailers in the renovated terminal. The project is one of three significant works at the airport.
A multi-level car park and transport hub with more than 1000 car parks opened in October and a 134-room four star hotel, operated by Rydges, opened last week.