Built Environs Wins Major Perth Airport Contract

Perth Airport has awarded the main construction contract for the largest component of the Perth Airport redevelopment to Built Environs, part of the McConnell Dowell Group.

Built Environs will construct the new Domestic Pier and International Departures expansion at the western end of the existing international terminal. The total value of the project is over $330 million.

Early construction works for the new Pier commenced on site four months ago, including services relocations, the Pier footings and aircraft parking aprons. Built Environs will commence the main building works next month and the project is scheduled for completion in June 2014.

The new Pier has two purposes. Firstly, it will substantially increase international departure capacity and deliver a greatly enhanced international departures experience. The international component includes:

- 18 new international check-in desks.

- Two A380 capable aircraft gates, with two aerobridges on each gate to support quick aircraft turnarounds. The first of the A380 gates will be operating within 12 months.

- Expanded international departure lounge, including three new airline lounges.

- New and expanded retail offerings.

“This project is one of four we now have underway to transform the international airport experience”, said Perth Airport Chief Executive Officer, Brad Geatches. “This year, passengers will start to see big changes in the international travel experience.”

The second main component of the project is a large domestic terminal area, which will become the new home of Virgin Australia in 2014. The new domestic terminal area will include:

- 22 new domestic check-in desks, as well as check-in kiosks and bag-drop technology.

- Three A330 capable aircraft gates, with two aerobridges on each gate and four other aircraft gates (a total of 10 aerobridges).

- A large new shopping area, with nine retail offerings.

- A large conveniently located Virgin Australia lounge.

- A large baggage reclaim area on the ground floor, accessing new taxi and parking facilities.

“The new domestic terminal area we are delivering for Virgin Australia will provide an exceptional experience. The facilities will be large, spacious and have been designed to provide an efficient and pleasant experience. We have worked very closely with Virgin Australia to ensure the new facility meets their very high customer service standards,” said Mr Geatches.

The new Virgin Australia terminal area will be connected to the new domestic terminal, that is soon to open, with walkways connecting the two terminals airside. This will allow regional travellers to seamlessly connect to their Virgin Australia service and on to other Australian destinations.

“This project, along with the new Domestic Terminal (T2), represents the first stage in achieving our vision of having all commercial air services operating from one convenient location,” said Mr Geatches.

Built Environs is familiar with the airport environment and is currently undertaking the construction of the new logistics yard that will service Terminal 1, the Domestic Pier and Terminal 2. They have a strong history of successfully delivering building construction projects in the commercial, defence, industrial, institutional and retail markets, while also drawing on the experience and expertise of their parent company, international engineering construction firm McConnell Dowell.

“The completion of this project in mid-2014 will see the first phase of our redevelopment completed and enable the airport to deliver high standards of customer service across all our facilities.” Mr Geatches added. “Planning is also well underway for further expansion, including a landscaped forecourt, multi-storey car park and additions to the eastern end of Terminal 1, to further enhance the customer experience, and design concepts are well advanced. This is an exciting time of redevelopment and I am confident that, in a short period of time, Perth Airport will be transformed into an impressive gateway to Western Australia.”