£32million redevelopment programme
Bournemouth Airport has already started work on its £32m redevelopment programme after receiving confirmation from Government Office South West that the scheme, previously approved by Christchurch Borough Council, can go ahead.
Welcoming this approval, 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. Investment in airport operations will also provide new mains sewers, new drainage system and utilities, and improvements to the airfield. During the redevelopment, special measures will be taken to prevent harm to protected plant and animal species that inhabit the adjoining ecologically sensitive areas.
Traffic management is also an important part of the new scheme and, as part of the planning permission, the Airport has committed to funding improved public transport links, installing new traffic lights at the entrance to the Airport, and funding improvement to Parley Lane – especially at Hurn roundabout. A Green Travel Plan will also be introduced which will reduce the number of vehicle trips generated per passenger by revising and improving the airport’s surface access strategy. Local business is set to benefit from the development, as the project team is keen to source locally wherever possible.
The Airport will also be establishing an annual Community Fund of £10,000 (rising to £30,00 linked to passenger growth) to support local projects. Environmental mitigation will be a central feature of the project with the Airport committed to its operations becoming carbon neutral by 2015. The new terminal buildings will be constructed to a high standard of energy efficiency and at least 25% of the Airport’s electricity supply will come from renewable sources by 2010. An air quality monitoring programme, to detect changes to local vegetation and air quality, will be agreed with Natural England and annual air quality monitoring reports will be submitted to Christchurch Borough Council. The Airport will also be introducing ‘WebTrak’ - a web-based facility allowing the public to view the height and track of aircraft online.
Growth at regional airports such as Bournemouth is a key priority for the Government’s sustainable aviation policy because it benefits local people and business, brings substantial economic benefits, reduces car trips to the major London airports (so relieving congestion and CO2 emissions) and helps regional growth and prosperity. By 2015 expansion of Bournemouth Airport will create over 1900 full time jobs, generate inward investment of £57 million and provide new opportunities, training and careers for local people.
Commenting on this redevelopment Peter Scott, Chief Executive of Dorset Business (the Chamber of Commerce & Industry) said: The ambitious expansion of Bournemouth Airport looks set not only to improve outward/inbound travel, but also to act as a catalyst for more jobs and more business opportunities including inward investment in the region. Many of our Members are already users of the Airport for both leisure and business flights, and with the 2012 Olympics just around the corner, the expansion has come at just the right time. We welcome the higher profile this will help achieve for Dorset both nationally and internationally.”
Mike Francis, Chairman of the Bournemouth Tourism Management Board is also looking forward to seeing the Airport grow, saying:
“The increased numbers of low cost airlines flying to and from Bournemouth has led to a significant growth in the number of overseas-based passengers using the Airport. Some 15% of passengers are now inbound visitors and this has provided a huge boost for the region’s ever-growing tourism industry, the language schools and the Bournemouth International Centre. Further expansion at the Airport will help stimulate the local tourism industry even further.”