24 March 2009
A major redevelopment project to improve the airside departures lounge at Jersey Airport is due to commence today, Monday 23 March 2009. The new passenger facilities will offer an enlarged Duty Free outlet as well as relocation and upgrade of the bar area and restaurant facilities, as well as an improved environment that provides a more fitting positive lasting impression of Jersey.
The works, which represent an overall investment of £4 million, will be carried out in stages with overall completion expected in time for the main summer season 2009.
The opportunity to improve and expand the facilities has arisen as a result of a number of changes made in recent years to the departures hall, including the successful re-location of security in 2007 which has created a larger area within the departures lounge. As a result, the additional space available for retail will increase by up to 50% whilst still maintaining sufficient services and seating areas for passengers.
Changes to the ownership arrangements of principal concessionaires, Alpha Group, have also taken place in recent months. WH Smith has taken over the former World News operation, while Alpha, which has operated the Duty Free and catering services have been acquired by one of the world’s largest airport concessionaires, Autogrill, which will operate in Jersey as World Duty Free. As a result of these changes, the concessionaires wish to make a substantial investment to upgrade their respective retail and catering offerings.
There has been minimal investment in the retail and catering side of the business at Jersey Airport in recent years, and the Minister for Economic Development, Senator Alan Maclean is confident the redevelopment will be a major boost for Jersey Airport. He said, “We have seized this opportunity presented to us by our concessionaires to upgrade the airside facilities, realising that if no investment is made, the existing revenue base will either become static or decline. This would place considerable pressure on Jersey Airport to increase passenger charges and place greater pressure on the airport’s operating surpluses. In this respect and in light of the current economic climate, doing nothing is simply not an option”.
As well as the current concessionaires, additional space has also been allocated to allow up to three new retailers to open up within the departures lounge area. Expressions of Interest have been issued and the airport is currently considering a number of proposals from prospective tenants. It is expected these new retail outlets will open in 2009.
In launching the redevelopment project, Senator Maclean said, “This is an exciting and challenging project for Jersey Airport. As well as the enhanced facilities, improvements will also be made to the ambience of the area, including a greater emphasis on what the Island has to offer in its catering outlets by way of fresh produce. The design team are currently developing concepts that will leave a more positive lasting impression on our travellers.”
CEO of World Duty Free, Mark Riches is equally enthusiastic about the project and said, “We are delighted to support the development of Jersey Airport’s retail space with a brand new World Duty Free store, bringing to the airport the very best of what we do. With a total investment on our part of £1.5million and occupying just over 7,000 square feet, the newly created store will offer travellers an exciting shopping environment with great products, underpinned by real value. Amongst the vast array of products on offer, many are new and exclusive to World Duty Free and there are some fantastic new cosmetics and luxury brands”.
An independent project management team has been set up to oversee the works, led by local company Capita Symonds (CI) Ltd. Although there is expected to be some inconvenience, disruption for users of Jersey Airport will be minimal with any major construction work taking place during the evening. Passengers using the departures lounge during the works period will still have access to all current facilities.
gov.je