Work begins on 'spectacular addition' at Wellington Airport

Work will begin on Monday on what is being described as a “spectacular addition“ to Wellington Airport. A new multi-level bar and cafe is being built above the current Blue Lady outlet with views out onto the runway and Lyall Bay. It is part of a $20m upgrade for inside the terminal building and at duty free. The work will be ongoing for most of the year, but the airport said it won’t affect departure gates for passengers. Wellington Airport’s CE Matt Clarke said the new dining area will add an extra 130 seats. “This is going to be a spectacular addition to Wellington Airport and a very popular place to eat, drink, relax and enjoy the views,” said Clarke. “Very few airports can match our stunning local environment, and this development makes the most of it.” Last year, a new duty-free operator was announced. LagardereAWPL will also transform the Relay site in the main terminal and add new stores. LagardereAWPL CEO Costa Kouros said the deal extends an existing partnership with Wellington Airport: “The new stores will showcase some of our exciting concepts that we feel are most relevant to this wonderful airport.” The developments will have a combined floor area of 900 square metres. Other airports in New Zealand have been recently ungraded as well. In Hamilton, work has been ongoing on a new international departure hall as it readies for Jetstar flights to Sydney and the Gold Coast from June.<br/>