Nelson Airport in New Zealand has released its plans for a NZ$32m (US$23m) terminal redevelopment program scheduled to begin later this year.
The project will take approximately 24 months to complete and will enable the airport to cater for growth projections until 2035, when 1.4m passengers a year are forecast to pass through the facility. The development also aims to enhance the passenger experience with more space for seating, airline lounges, toilets, new retail spaces and car parking. The new terminal design is modular and flexible, so that it can be easily scaled up in future if demand exceeds projections.
Rob Evans, CEO, Nelson Airport, said, “This is a very exciting step in the evolution of Nelson Airport and its role as the gateway to our region. We’ve used the latest industry best practice techniques to determine how this facility works for passengers and its operators, and as a result have created a plan that will see every element of the airport design improved.
“Visually it will be magnificent; locally sourced timber products, floor to ceiling windows, a spacious open plan style and a unique roof design will all work in harmony to make this space feel very special and reflect the beauty of the region.
“Functionally, we will increase car parking by 300 spaces to cater for 900 vehicles and create more room for taxis, buses and rental cars. We’ll have a much more intuitive layout for passengers with an increased check-in area and departure lounge, new retail space, double the number of toilets and more food and beverage offerings.”
Bruce Parton, chief operating officer, Air New Zealand, said, “Nelson is integral in our network and the new terminal delivers on our drive to provide exceptional customer service and an enhanced quality of travel experience. The airport team has consulted extensively over the past 12 months and continues to consult on the design elements.
“We are very pleased with the plans that have been revealed and look forward to working with Nelson Airport through the challenges of completing this development to achieve the optimal outcome for our customers”.
The new terminal design was created by Studio Pacific Architecture and will be managed by Aesculus Project Management. Dunning Thornton and CGW have been appointed as the project engineers.
Nick Smith, Nelson MP, welcomed the redevelopment of the airport, saying it was one of the most important infrastructure issues for the region.
“Our airport is booming with a forecast of passenger numbers reaching one million within two years,” said Smith. “The current terminal has passed its ‘use by’ date, is overcrowded, and in urgent need of redevelopment.
“I am particularly excited about the design proposal. The airport is the gateway to the region and it needs to make a statement about who we are. The extensive incorporation of timber into the design reflects the importance of our forest industry and the innovation that has gone into engineered timber. I also welcome the environmental features of the design that maximizes Nelson sunlight in the open plan and the provision of an electric car charging station.”