SECOND PHASE OF GLASGOW AIRPORT’S £17M
INVESTMENT TAKES OFF.
The second phase of Glasgow Airport’s extensive preparations for the 2014 Commonwealth Games is now underway.
Earlier this year the airport unveiled details of its £17 million investment programme which will see large parts of the main terminal building undergo a major makeover. This includes international arrivals which for many will be the gateway to the Games.
Work was scheduled around the airport’s peak season and following the busy October week, contractors have now moved on-site to begin the refurbishment work. This will include the expansion and improvement of the international arrivals area, modernisations to the main check-in hall and £1.5 million will be spent on upgrading the toilet facilities.
Glasgow Airport has spent in excess of £21 million over the course of the past two years on capital projects designed to provide a better experience for passengers, however, this latest investment will ensure the airport is ready to play its part in what will be the largest sporting and cultural event Scotland will have ever hosted.
Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: “Our £17 million investment programme represents one of the most significant and comprehensive upgrades to the main terminal since it was first opened in 1966. The airport has changed dramatically since then and this is our biggest single investment since the launch of our £31 million Skyhub building in 2008.
“Next year represents a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of Glasgow and Scotland to the world and we are fully aware of the important role we have to play in helping deliver a successful Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and Year of Homecoming Scotland.
“For many visitors and members of the Games family, international arrivals will be their first impression of Glasgow and this is a particular area of focus for the coming months. We will be extending the international arrivals concourse, adding new seating and landscaping a new public space at the front of the building. Passengers will also notice changes in the check-in hall where hoardings are already in place and work on retiling the hall is underway.”
Other aspects of the refurbishment work will include new flooring in the airport’s domestic pier, the instillation of new heating and ventilation systems in terminal two, and general improvements to the airport’s road network.
In July, Glasgow Airport launched its new brand and and accompanying strapline – Proud to Serve Scotland. Designed by Paisley-based agency Designline, the logo is a contemporary twist on an iconic Scottish symbol. It depicts the head of a thistle sitting proudly above the letter G and the use of a solid blue colour adds to its distinctive Scottish feel.
Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, added: “Through our continued investment and new logo, we are sending out a clear message that Glasgow Airport is committed to playing its part in the successful delivery of what will be the biggest sporting event in Scotland’s history, when Glasgow plays host to the 2014 Commonwealth Games.”