Auckland seeks retailers for landside expansion

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Auckland International airport yesterday announced a plan for a major expansion of its landside retailing and public areas to cope with rising peaks in passenger numbers. Due to strong growth in tourism, combined with the effects of airline hub operations, passenger flows during peak times are almost at capacity in parts of the International Terminal Building, the company said.

Additional capacity is being added in the airport's first floor departure area. The first floor is to be expanded over the forecourt road to a total area of 8,100sq m (87,156sq ft) with the creation of an additional 2,550sq m (27,438sq ft) of floor space. Of this area 1,100sq m (11,836sq ft) will be for retailing. General manager and corporate secretary Chris Curley told TRW: "We are selecting retailers by negotiation and all units will open this November, ready for the peak holiday season."

The final design is expected to be consistent with the existing City of Sails image and will also provide a new direct link from the first floor shopping and lounge area to the car park. Last year Auckland airport handled a total 8m passengers of which 4.8m were on international routes.