Sunday, January 9, 2011

Mackay Airport Redevelopment Taking Shape

Mackay Airport's redevelopment is well and truly taking shape. With the runway and taxiway works essentially complete, attention is now focusing on the terminal building, with construction work underway, and the opening of a newsagency and car wash service.

The Relay newsagency (pictured below) offers passengers a wide selection of products, from best-selling books and glossy magazines, to gifts, toothpaste and travel items.


The Relay newsagency is the first part of the refurbishment of the airport terminal, which began in October. The terminal remodelling is valued at just under $4 million and is part of a wider $10 million airport upgrade.

As we passed through the terminal recently, banging and other construction noises could be heard throughout the terminal, with large wooden screens separating passengers from the works (as shown below).


A food and beverage retail outlet and a new bar should be open to the public soon. There will also be a grab-and-go facility to allow workers, such as taxi drivers, and visitors to grab a bite to eat without going through security.

When the refurbishment is complete, travellers will be able to enjoy a larger waiting area and more convenient security check-in points.

As shown below, the reconfigured terminal has been designed so that the central concourse will form part of a larger departure lounge, allowing passengers greater space to relax before take-off.


The ceiling in the departure area will also be raised and more toilets and change rooms added. The airport’s baggage claim area will remain in the same place.

Even the observation area, a popular place for people to relax, will remain.

Completion is expected at the end of March.

Also opening recently at Mackay Airport - albeit in the carpark - is Nanotek – an environmentally-friendly car cleaning service.

Using waterless technology and bio-degradable products, the mobile service commenced business at the start of the year. The service is available seven days a week during airport operating hours, and is a value-added service for Mackay Airport patrons to keep their car looking great.

A range of different services are available with many additions over and above the basic car wash. The basic is an exterior wash, which includes specialised bug and tar removal, polish, windows, wheels and tyre dressing. Other services include paint renovation, minor scratch removal, leather care and carpet cleaning.

Bookings are essential, and details, such as type of wash, parking and car keys would be worked out with each customer. Cars can be washed at the airport while the owners are away, or they can be washed while people wait.

Lastly, in other news from Mackay Airport, the construction of a hotel at the airport is still on the radar as airport management invites comment on its Draft Land Use Plan.

However, a car park upgrade is likely to come sooner, with plans to add an extra 370 sealed spaces onto the existing car park.

It is up to members of the public to make submissions about what they believed the airport land should be used for. Submissions can be made until February 18.

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