We would like to thank everyone who has travelled to and from the islands by air this season for their patience and co-operation as works to the airport terminal are being carried out. We would also like to thank everyone who has been so understanding about the roadworks and the transporting of goods throughout St Mary's while the roads have been resurfaced.
The works to the airport terminal are part of a three-phase project to improve the air link between St Mary's and the mainland. Through the acquisition of funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Regional Growth Fund, contracts were awarded to Lagan Construction Ltd for the 'St Mary's Externals & Civil Works', which included the resurfacing of the runways, and 'Land's End Hardening', which saw the laying of brand new hard surface runways. Lagan Building Ltd won the contract for the 'St Mary's Airport Terminal Works'.
The airport terminal is not completely new - it is actually benefitting from a major extension and refurbishment utilising the most up-to-date green technologies, including several solar panels, to fuel the heating and lighting systems.
The steelworks to the front and side of the old building are now complete and will be hung with glass, providing a panoramic view on three sides and giving the visitor a first impression of the islands which matches their expectations.
The exterior boasts lots of safe, fenced seating and a children's play area beside the cafe. There is a covered walkway to the front of the building so no more waiting for a taxi in the wind and rain! There is also a long drop off/pick up point stretching across both the arrival and departure areas.
The interior will offer much more space than before and have a light, airy ambience. Additional features will include a much bigger cafe, more seating, a designated arrivals point which does not impinge on the main concourse, and an internal baggage collection point.
It is hoped the works will be completed by the end of October.
We are unable to perform the work over the winter months owing to time constraints on the ERDF funding so once again we thank everyone for their patience and hope that next year everyone agrees the small sacrifice was well worth it.
