Brisbane Airport’s New Runway
Upgrade of Existing Terminal at Whitsunday Coast Airport
Ranbury was engaged by Whitsunday Coast Regional Council to provide project management and superintendency services on the first stage of the Whitsunday Coast Airport Terminal Expansion Project.
The first stage of the masterplanned Expansion Project is now complete, with travellers coming to and departing from the Airport now greeted with an aquarium hosting tropical fish, a 3D augmented reality feature in the baggage collection, more toilets, bigger departure lounges and more carparks.
Key features of the terminal expansion included:
- Additional toilets in baggage claim area and departure lounge
- Doubling the size of the departure lounge to comfortably accommodate two simultaneous flights
- Expanded security screening area
- Additional food and beverage seating areas
- More than doubling the size of the baggage claim and arrivals area
- A second baggage carousel
- Expansion of the baggage make up area to allow for efficient loading of departing aircraft
- Relocation of secure departure lounge exit directly into baggage claim area to reduce congestion
- Relocated and expanded airport management offices, including an external emergency operations room
- New designed interiors including new furniture, signage, carpet, tiles, wall paint and finishes
- Augmented Reality (AR) screen in the baggage claim area to entertain and educate visitors, with two different AR experiences on offer, Great Barrier Reef and Australian Native Animals.
- A 30,000-litre aquarium, including a moulded coral ‘Heart Reef’ and hundreds of Great Barrier Reef fish to enhance the visitor experience as they arrive and depart the Whitsunday Coast Airport.
The works represent the first of a five-stage rolling masterplan which has the ultimate aim of attracting international long haul flights and thereby realising the airport’s long-term vision.
Works were completed successfully in mid-2019.
The increased gate and check-in capacity has allowed additional tourism operations and small regional airlines to consolidate their operations into the area's main airport.
The airport was fully operational and was awarded Gold in the Specialised Tourism Category at the Whitsunday Tourism Regional Tourism Awards whilst the project was under construction.
The project was delivered on budget. Ranbury worked with the client to diversify revenue streams through the provision of additional retail tenancies and advertising space.
