Airport expansion: Jobs galore as work starts on massive project

Locals are predicted to be the big winners as foundation work begins this week on a massive redevelopment set to transform Gold Coast Airport.

A LANDMARK expansion of Gold Coast Airport will create 1500 jobs over two years and eventually double the footprint of the existing terminal.

The project includes aerobridges, extra shops, a new departure lounge and updated baggage handling and border control facilities.

In total, about $500 million will be invested into the airport precinct at Bilinga, including the redevelopment and the ongoing construction of Rydges airport hotel.

Foundation works for the new southern terminal expansion will begin this week, ahead of its expected opening in mid-2021.

Work will then begin on a refurbishment of the existing terminal.

An artist's impression of how the runway side of the southern terminal will look.

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Queensland Airports Limited chief executive Chris Mills said years of planning was involved and the “level of development activity is unprecedented”.

“This project will change the face of the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales and deliver a gateway that Australia’s leading tourism destination deserves,” he said.

“Importantly, the project will address current capacity issues while paving the way for future passenger growth.

“From September this year, we will have three tower cranes onsite at the airport.”

Mr Mills said the airport was working with Lendlease on “unique solutions” to make sure the airport continued to run smoothly during the construction of the terminal expansion.

An artist's impression of the retail area inside of the southern terminal.

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Lendlease Building chief executive Dale Connor said building a 30,000 sqm expansion at one of Australia’s fastest growing airports was “no easy feat”.

“It requires careful programming and stakeholder engagement to ensure minimal disruption to day-to-day operations,” he said.

“Together with the airport, we have developed innovative solutions to minimise disruption to passengers travelling through the airport and maintain construction progress.

“For example, we will create a temporary baggage tug tunnel to maintain our baggage handling operation while the three-level building is constructed over the top.”

An artist's impression of the entrance of the southern terminal.

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Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, the Minister for Transport, said the Federal Government was working with airports to improve infrastructure ahead of an expected boom in tourist numbers.

“With almost seven million passengers expected next year, the airport and the region will benefit from this development for years to come,” he said.

“This means more options for locals, and more visitors to the Gold Coast.

“Recently growth in international traffic with Singapore and New Zealand has been really ramping up, and South Korea connections will start later this year.

“This is why our government approved Gold Coast Airport’s plans for this terminal development and a major hotel.”

An artist's impression of the retail area inside of the southern terminal.

Member for McPherson Karen Andrews, whose electorate includes the airport, said the expansion was essential to cement the Glitter Strip’s status as an “iconic tourist destination”.

“This will be great for the local economy too, not just once the terminal opens, but also through the significant number of jobs in the construction phase,” she said.

The southern terminal will house the airport’s international operations, but will also be able to service domestic flights based on demand using a “swing gate system”.

A total of 6.6 million passengers per year pass through Gold Coast Airport each year — a number set to more than double by 2037.

The airport states it will pump $818 million into the region and support 20,000 full-time jobs by 2037.