Aug 1 2007
Bournemouth Airport is celebrating today after receiving confirmation from Government Office South West that the £32million redevelopment scheme approved by Christchurch Borough Council can go ahead.
Welcoming the Council’s decision, Bournemouth Airport, Managing Director Peter Duffy said:
“This is an important milestone in the history of the airport. Now we can begin to deliver the vision we set out in our Master Plan and deliver an airport of which the region can be proud.”
“It’s estimated that we will be handling three million passengers within ten years, so it’s important that we start work as soon as possible. By phasing construction over a four to five year period we will be able to build in a logical, cost-effective manner, delivering capacity only when required. This concept embraces the principles of sustainable development.”
The first phase of the terminal redevelopment will focus on the construction of a new international arrivals hall, together with new departure lounges with improved catering and retail facilities for departing passengers. Local business is set to benefit from the development as the project team is keen to source locally wherever possible.
As part of the planning permission, the Airport has committed to funding improved public transport links, establish an annual Community Fund of £10,000 (rising to £30,00 linked to passenger growth) to support local projects, and introduce a Green Travel Plan. Environmental mitigation will be a central feature of the project with the Airport committed to its operations becoming carbon neutral by 2015, enhanced noise and air quality monitoring and the introduction of ‘WebTrak’ - a web-based facility allowing the public to view the height and track of aircraft online.
These developments are an integral part of the Master Plan which was published earlier this year after extensive public consultation. It sets out how the Airport will develop in a sustainable manner over the next twenty-three years.