‘Iconic’ international airport carpet to be ‘gone but not forgotten’

As part of the multimillion-dollar redevelopment of Cairns T1 International Terminal rolls of the facility’s ‘iconic’ blue carpet will not be headed to landfill.

As part of the multimillion-dollar redevelopment of Cairns T1 International Terminal rolls of the facility’s “iconic” blue carpet will be repurposed for use at a Cairns sporting club.

Rolls of “as-new” carpet have been sitting in storage for approximately 30 years since the original fit-out of the international terminal.

The old carpet will be removed from the terminal within weeks as part of the building’s first major upgrade since it opened more than three decades ago.

The floorcoverings will be repurposed at the North Cairns Tigers Football and Netball Club ahead of the 2023 season.

Cairns Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said the exchange aligns with the airport’s commitment to integrate sustainable practises in the redevelopment of the terminal.

“It is particularly symbolic that the carpet will be going to a longstanding community group like the North Cairns Tigers,” he said.

The carpet is set to be removed from the terminal within weeks and repurposed at the North Cairns Tigers Football and Netball Club ahead of the 2023 season. Picture: supplied

“The international terminal was officially opened in September 1990 and the North Cairns Tigers were established as a club in 1955.

“It seems only fitting that this small piece of Cairns history is going to find a new home in a space that is significant and valuable to many members of our community,” he said.

North Cairns Tigers president Jason Tom said the carpet would be a welcome addition to their clubhouse in Manunda.

“We have been busily renovating the clubhouse during the off-season and jumped at the opportunity to take some of the as-new carpet from Cairns Airport to help refresh the space and add some colour,” he said.

The carpet is set to be removed from the terminal within weeks and repurposed at the North Cairns Tigers Football and Netball Club ahead of the 2023 season. Picture: supplied

“We are a family-focused club and this is a cost-effective way to upgrade our facilities for the benefit of our members and the wider community.

“It also represents how two local organisations can work together in a meaningful way.”

The redevelopment of Cairns international airport is expected to take 14 months to complete and will generate approximately 100 jobs during the construction phase.

It will involve a complete refurbishment of the check-in and arrivals areas, including new escalators, elevators, bathrooms, fresh paint, artworks and furnishings.

Originally published as ‘Iconic’ international airport carpet to be ‘gone but not forgotten’