Passengers at the Port Hedland International Airport will soon be able to enjoy a meal and a beverage in the departure lounge as the first stage of the facility’s multi-million dollar redevelopment gets underway.
The interior upgrade will see the existing cafe and outdoor bar become part of the departure area which will reduce congestion at the airport during peak periods.
A tender for construction works for the terminal renovation is currently advertised and includes extending the security screening point, remodelling the departure lounge to combine the international and domestic arrivals area and refurbishing the toilets to make a joint parents room and accessible toilets.
Mayor Kelly Howlett said the works will improve passenger flow from check-in, the security gate and departure.
“Consolidating the departure lounge and the Export Bar and Cafe and opening up the area is in line with the outcomes identified during design and placemaking workshops held with community and stakeholders in November 2013,” she said.
“A key outcome of the design and placemaking workshops was developing a vision for the Port Hedland International Airport to be a vibrant meeting place that welcomes travellers to our friendly Hedland community and treasures of the Pilbara, coupled with our core business of providing efficient passenger and freight services to the North West.
“This interim improvements program will see the airport start to reflect this vision – the Town is looking to install public art along the front of the terminal, improve visitor information, spruce up the landscaping, install shade sails and generally improve the look and feel of the terminal.”
The tender will close at 2.30pm, Tuesday 4 February 2014.(note - the deadline has been extended to 2.30pm Wednesday 12 February 2014)
A site briefing will be held on Friday 24 January and interested businesses are asked to register with the airport redevelopment team at eaadmin@porthedland.wa.gov.au.