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A $500 million redevelopment project of the Gold Coast Airport is taking off this week.
The project will double the footprint of the existing terminal, delivering aerobridges, additional retail space, a new departure lounge, baggage handling and border control facilities.
The new terminal is expected to be open for businesses mid-2021, and the redevelopment of the existing terminal will commence following the construction of the new facility.
According to the CEO of Queensland Airports Chris Mills (pictured) this week has been the result of years of planning and represents a major step for the airport.
"This project will change the face of the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales and deliver a gateway that Australia's leading tourism destination deserves," says Mills.
"Importantly, the project will address current capacity issues while paving the way for future passenger growth."
"There is about $500 million being invested in the airport precinct, including this redevelopment and the Rydges-branded airport hotel, which is now under construction."
An artist's impression of the redeveloped Gold Coast Airport forecourt (provided)
A project of this size at the airport is no doubt a safety risk, but Mills says ensuring the safety of passengers and visitors will be the airport's top priority during the period.
"We are working with Lendlease on unique solutions to ensure the airport continues to run smoothly as the terminal expansion is delivered," says Mills.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, says the redevelopment of the Gold Coast Airport is an exciting prospect for the region.
"The forecasts for passenger growth at Gold Coast Airport are exciting. With almost seven million passengers expected next year, the airport and the region will benefit from this exciting development for years to come," says McCormack.
An artist's impression of the redeveloped airside view of the Gold Coast Airport (provided)
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews, echoed the sentiments of McCormack.
"The Gold Coast is an iconic tourist destination with millions of visitors every year and having a world class airport to be able to service that growing demand is essential," says Andrews.
"This will be great for the local economy too, not just once the terminal opens, but also through the significant number of jobs in the construction phase."
Queensland Airports expects the project will create 1,500 jobs, with about 250 workers onsite at peak times.
The airport currently welcomes 6.6 million passengers every year, but that number is expected to double by 2037.
An artist's impression of the new retail offering at the redeveloped Gold Coast Airport (provided)
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