Perth unveils A$1bn development plan

Nicole Mezzasalma

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The Western Australia airport will undergo a phased redevelopment over the next five to seven years

Perth airport has announced a A$1bn ($938m) phased development plan scheduled to take place over the next five to seven years. Phase 1, to be completed by 2010, will be a new terminal dedicated to Western Australian air services. Phases 2 and 3 will comprise new international and domestic terminal facilities.

The airport said in a statement that designs for the new international and domestic terminals are still being developed, but it was likely that these would include extensive redevelopment of the existing international terminal and the construction of new terminal space. The existing international terminal building could form the basis of new domestic terminal facilities. New car parks and hotels will also form part of the project.

The detailed design the new facilities at the airport will reflect the character of Western Australia. Themes associated with the landscape, history and economy of the region are to be incorporated. The airport says it intends to consult with the indigenous community on appropriate forms of recognition in the design of buildings and public art.

Perth airport CEO Brad Geatches said: “In the international sector Perth airport is now seeing very strong growth, with passenger numbers increasing by nearly 10% in 2006/07 and likely to exceed 12% during 2007/08. Future international passenger growth is likely to be buoyed by Perth airport’s proximity to emerging high growth markets in Asia.”

He added: “New airport technology, better baggage handling facilities and more space will enable the fast, efficient and safe processing of departing and arriving passengers. Border control government agencies will be consulted in detail to ensure that the new airport layout provides them with the area they need to perform their roles as effectively as possible.”

The final vision for Perth will be confirmed in a Master Plan which the airport is required to submit to the Commonwealth Government by 2009. Before the Master Plan is completed, a community consultation process will be conducted. Mr Geatches said he expects to be able to publicly release details of concept designs for Phases 2 and 3 of the new airport by the end of 2008.