Catherine McKinnell, MP for Newcastle North, visited Newcastle International today to congratulate the team’s progress on their £3.2 million development investment. The terminal extension is on schedule to be completed and open for business by May 2012.
Work began in October last year to create additional space and improve the customer experience in the airport by building a new, three-storey extension. The security search accommodation will provide an additional 5,242 sq ft and ultimately can be developed from the current 5 search lanes to 10 lanes, increasing the capacity of the area by 100 per cent, to screen customers and their hand luggage before entering the departure lounge. The enhanced space will also be equipped with the latest in security screening technology to ensure that customers pass though this stage of their journey as swiftly and comfortably as possible.
Catherine McKinnell MP said: “I’m extremely proud to host Newcastle Airport within my constituency as it is a real asset to the region. The airport opens up the North East as a viable place to do business, giving access to our top class manufacturing, financial and professional services, and is such a key part of our transport infrastructure. Whether travelling for business or pleasure the people in this region have a local airport to be proud of and it is vital that we it so accessible. This is all the more so in light of the disappointing closure of ferry routes to Northern Europe.”
“The airport is also one of our largest employers, and as a region facing very worrying levels of unemployment, the importance of the airport to local people and the community cannot be underestimated. It is for all these reasons that I was delighted to hear that the terminal would be expanding and I am pleased to visit today and see the progress being made. I look forward to seeing the project completed later this year.”
Larry Heslop, operations director at Newcastle International, said: “The build is progressing well and the development is on programme. This significant investment in the airport, and the wider region, is testament to the successful partnership we enjoy with our seven Local Authority shareholders. The improvements to our security process will make a positive difference to our customers travelling through the airport. We want to ensure they experience a high standard of customer service and that the process is carried out efficiently in line with regulatory requirements. The extension will provide a platform for future growth and development and we look forward to the overall completion date in May.”
BAM Construction Limited have been engaged to undertake the design and construction of the new extension and have engaged the services of local architects Space Architecture, Desco for mechanical and electrical design and Waterman Structures for the design of the structure. Hall and Partners have been engaged as the Construction Design Management Coordinators. The build is being carried out in stages to ensure minimum disruption to customers.
Gerry McFarlane, contracts manager at BAM, said: “Our team and partners are pleased with the progress so far and our on-going successful partnership with Newcastle Airport. The project is highly visible within a business that plays an incredibly important role in the region. This type of project has become a signature of BAM’s portfolio, having built universities and hospitals across the North East. The extension will be used by the public every day in great numbers. It is vital that we build considerately and deliver the standard of facilities that the area deserves.”
As well as the terminal extension, redevelopment work was completed on the airport’s immigration arrivals area to offer a more seamless journey and efficient use of space with the number of immigration presentation desks increased from four to six. The Pier, where the departure gates are located, is also undergoing a cosmetic refurbished to provide an improved welcoming vista for departing and returning customers and people visiting the region. At the end of 2011, the four phase Pier re-cladding project was completed which transformed the south facing exterior of the building.