The front of the terminal building at Exeter International Airport hsa being demolished to make way for a completely new £800,000 frontage. Work on the new construction, which will bring the main departure terminal and concourse forward by 10 metres, was started by Geoff Myers, Managing Director of Exeter International Airport on Wednesday 22 December 2004.
Mr Myers knocked through a wall of the terminal, to allow the demolition team access to the building, so that the conversion work could start in earnest. The new structure, which is due for completion in the spring of 2005, will have an enlarged area for passengers checking-in for flights, new toilet facilities and a lift to the first floor.
Commenting on the work that must take place over the winter period to minimise disruption, Mr Myers said: “We hope that those passengers using the airport in the next three months will not be too inconvenienced. The work on the terminal is absolutely essential to cope with the increase in passenger numbers who have risen by 70% compared to the same period last year. Growth is set to continue and we are keen to provide passengers with the best possible facilities.”
Richard Westlake, Chairman of the Exeter and Devon Airport Limited, said: “This is a welcome investment in the Airport’s future.It will provide a major improvement for departing passengers including better facilities for people with disabilities.And it will help the Airport meet the demands of increased usage following the announcement of additional scheduled flights by flybe in 2005”
Peter Lacey of the architects Lacey Hickie & Caley, who also worked on the new Departure Lounge which opened last year, said: “We are delighted to again assist in reinforcing the importance of Exeter as the regional airport for the South West Peninsula. The logistics associated with the expansion of the check-in concourse are particularly difficult but all of the delivery team including consultants, contractor and airport management have established a partnership approach to delivering to a tight and difficult timescale.”
The company who will carry out the work are Devon Contractors and their Contracts Manager Colin Ayres said: “We are pleased to have been awarded the contract to build Exeter International Airport’s new entrance and concourse. This continues the Company’s involvement in developments at the adjacent Business Park and Exeter International Office Park where flybe have taken occupation.”
