Taking a tour of Bournemouth Airport's new departure terminal (From Thisisdorset)

Taking a tour of Bournemouth Airport's new departure terminal

9:15am Monday 22nd March 2010 in

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AS passengers take their first steps through the jaw-dropping new departure terminal at Bournemouth Airport, distant memories of the series of old sheds that once stood there are left at the doors of the impressive new entrance.

The £45 million investment, one of the biggest building projects ever to take place in Dorset, has seen the former departures building at Hurn transformed into a stunning modern airport facility fit for the 21st century.

With a wider range of facilities and services, the multi-million-pound transformation means passengers now have a duty free area to match rival regional airports, along with a high-quality family restaurant, large WHSmith store and seating areas in front of the apron to watch planes land and take off.

Six new departure gates along the front of the glass and steel structure ensure easy boarding with 11 planes now able to be accommodated along the newly laid apron.

“For us it is about making the airport experience much more enjoyable while still retaining that family feel that is so important at Bournemouth Airport.”

Rob Goldsmith, chief executive of Bournemouth Airport

But the scale of the work on the spectacular new building, which has been put up while the airport has continued its normal day-to-day operations, can really be seen beyond the security checks, as passengers move into the departure lounge.

After walking through a large World Duty Free shop, passengers come into the main lounge where there is a WHSmith’s, Bath Travel currency exchange point and the largest Olive Tree restaurant in the country along with plenty of seating for passengers waiting to board.

Rob Goldsmith, chief executive of Bournemouth Airport, said: “There is an immense amount of satisfaction here amongst everyone.

“To have completed this stage of the project, during one of the worst periods our industry has ever seen, is an amazing achievement.

“Of course we have had to adapt the original plan along the way, but look at what we have here. It’s incredible.

“While we are overjoyed at the reaction of the passengers who have seen it so far, it is the reaction of the staff that has blown us away. Morale is very high at the moment.

“For us it is about making the airport experience much more enjoyable while still retaining that family feel that is so important at Bournemouth Airport.”

Attention will now turn to other projects including getting three million passengers through the gates over the next few years.

Airport bosses are hoping to attract holidaymakers and people from beyond the immediate area who do not want the hassle of tackling the M25 to get to Heathrow and Gatwick.

And while the majority of the terminal is open, Rob says there is still some work to do on some of the retail areas and of course in joining the arrivals and departure terminals.

“Some things will need to be tweaked but the fact we have opened on time and on budget is fantastic.

He added: “While we accept we will never be a Heathrow or a Gatwick, we now believe we can be one of the best regional airports in the country.”