Airport development work begins

16 August 2011

Work is due to start at Jersey Airport this week to prepare for a demolition project which will see the top 2 floors of the arrivals terminal, removed.

It was always the intention that the work would be done as part of the long term redevelopment plans for the arrivals building and as a result of a regulatory requirement.

As part of the work, the former air traffic control centre, visual control towers and air traffic engineering accommodation are to be removed, together with the Aviator Restaurant, which stopped trading 2 years ago. As well as the buildings now being in a state beyond economic repair and containing asbestos, which the airport is legally required to remove, they also obstruct the line of sight to the taxiway from the new air traffic control centre and sit in protected airspace.

An overall project budget of up to £1.6m has been allocated for the project, from Jersey Airport’s trading fund. It covers all fees, services and associated costs, including the removal of asbestos, demolition of the buildings and subsequent reinstatement works. 

Early October

The demolition project is due to start in early October and is likely to be completed by spring 2012. Following a States tender process, the contract has been awarded to Jersey building company, AC Mauger who undertook the construction of the new air traffic control building.

The majority of the work will be carried out during airport operating hours. There will be a period of time during the project when night work will be required. This is likely to start sometime in October this year and there will be advance notice of exact dates and timings.

Throughout the project, it's unlikely there will be disruption to usual airfield operations or the services provided by the Jersey Met Office and despite the demolition work taking place in a ‘live’ area, it's unlikely to have any impact on passengers or staff using the terminal building.

Scaffolding and screens will be installed around the building works area to shield the demolition work taking place.