BNE’s International Terminal facelift officially unveiled…. But wait, there’s more
Brisbane Airport’s (BNE) $45 million International Terminal redevelopment was officially opened today by The Hon. Warren Truss MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, following 18 months of round the clock construction works.
Julieanne Alroe, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) CEO and Managing Director said the unveiling marked a significant milestone in the terminal’s 20 year history with the refurbishment putting Brisbane International on the map as one of the most beautiful in the world, while establishing a global benchmark for design.
“This project has been a labour of love for everyone who has worked on it over the last few years, helping to create a truly unique gateway to Queensland.
“Everything we set out to achieve was accomplished to the highest quality, all while working within a secure terminal which continued to operate 24/7.
“This project was completed on time and on budget without any major disruptions to passengers or operations due to a focused and collaborative approach by all.
“Everyone associated with the project from the architects and designers, contractors, retailers, project managers, operations team and tenants are to be commended. Not one detail has been overlooked and the result is outstanding.
“I’d also like to thank our passengers who have been very patient and understanding during this long build,” Ms Alroe said.
With the goal of breaking the usual ‘airport mould’ and creating a distinct space that differentiated Brisbane Airport from all others, the redevelopment has already been recognised with the Qld Property Council Award for Excellence in Design.
Elements of the redevelopment included; a new themed Departures lounge, incorporating a sense of place that is uniquely Brisbane; new walk through Duty Free stores for both Departures and Arrivals; new specialty retail and food and beverage outlets offering the best of local produce and products; improved way finding for passengers and unrivalled views of aviation activity on the tarmac.
Every part of the project was carefully designed to leverage the unique character of Brisbane, with a specific focus on Queensland’s enviable outdoor lifestyle and creating an environment that encapsulated the personality of Brisbane and Queensland.
Queensland artists were also selected to provide key pieces within the redevelopment and local materials were used for a variety of aspects to support Queensland and Australian suppliers. The stunning fit out features locally sourced stone, timbers, fittings and plants which define dedicated dwell, work and relaxation areas.
While the finishing touches were being made on this major renovation, in the wings another project was quietly gaining momentum at the International Terminal - the construction of three new airline lounges and a day spa, due for completion in early 2016.
“This really is an exceptionally exciting growth phase for Brisbane Airport and these ongoing improvements will enable us to accommodate more passengers, offer a wider choice of routes and carriers and make greater economic contributions to our city and state,” Ms Alroe said.
International Terminal Redevelopment Project Details
• The redevelopment was rolled out over 18 months with 38 stages, working on multiple zones and different floors.
• 24 new retail tenancies were progressively opened during the works with more than 4,600m2 of additional retail space created.
• 7500m2 of new tiles were laid – equivalent to 1.5 football fields• All building materials (tiles, steel, concrete, sand etc.) were individually scanned at security before being taken into the secure zone.
• The biggest challenge was working in a ‘live’ 24/7 airport environment with approximately 7.5 million passengers coming through the terminal during the redevelopment.
• Works took place during the quiet times of the day, with major construction scheduled late at night and in the early morning so that disruption to travellers was minimal.
• There was no impact to the usual passenger check-in, screening and security processes.
• The team made a huge effort to ensure the terminal did not look like a construction site and, where possible, continued to look and feel like a fully operational terminal.
• It’s estimated that 750 people actively worked on the project over the 5 year period, including 100 BAC staff.
International Terminal new Airline Lounges (Level 4)
• The $16 million project to build three new airline lounges on Level 4 of the terminal commenced in April 2015 with completion set for early 2016.
• The expansion includes approximately 2090m2 of new development space for three lounges as well as a Day Spa.
• The airline lounges will be for Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines business travellers, while Plaza Premium will operate a third independent lounge and Day Spa. Plaza Premium will be available to all travellers, irrespective of airlines or class of travel.
• Two escalators and a lift will connect Level 3 Departures to the new lounges and Day Spa facilities on Level 4, which will be a sterile area.