Canberra terminal upgrade on track

Infrastructure engineering group O’Donnell Griffin is midway through the $19.4 million ‘backbone’ electrical works at the redevelopment of Canberra Airport's new terminal precinct. The company has also been appointed to undertake lighting and power installation works on Canberra's new Qantas Level 3 terminal.

The major contract, which began in July 2009, involves installing the power, lighting and data communications within the new terminal building.

The works are being undertaken as part of the $360 million ‘AirVolution’ redevelopment program that includes two new terminal extensions, the Southern and Western Concourses, totalling more than 50,000sqm of building area, and two new 38,000sqm car parks.

When complete, the new terminal facilities will have double the number of check-in counters; new food, beverage and retail outlets; a fully capable international terminal; new airline club facilities; eight new glazed aerobridges; and expanded security screen areas.

As part of the redevelopment, Qantas is investing in additional check-in facilities, increased lounge capacity, new business facilities and fast access to gates.

The Southern Concourse Terminal will incorporate tri-generation technology which generates electricity on site and uses waste heat from air conditioning for heating.

O’Donnell Griffin Project Manager Gino Caputo said the Canberra Airport project was on schedule, with concrete works complete, and building works including walls, ceiling frames and external glass installation in progress. The Southern Concourse Terminal Extension is due for completion in September 2010.