The move from the old terminal building, which was opened in 1939, went without a hitch and the passengers left the new terminal on time.
The £19m terminal development was completed by Hochtief Construction (UK) Limited, and took just 21 months to complete. The new terminal boasts better security, improved passenger facilities (including an Internet cafe, large duty free shop and a baby-change facility) and spacious waiting areas with fantastic views over the Channel Islands.
The reaction to the new terminal building has been very positive, with many commenting on the futuristic and elegant design provided by Exeter based architects, Kensington Taylor.
The new airport terminal building, was short listed for several architectural awards during 2005; and won the Guernsey Design Award in November 2005.
The judges of the Environment Department's annual competition commented:
"The Airport building is an uncomplicated contemporary design with a lively sense of presence that commands attention, yet integrates well with its landscape to provide a harmonious development.
The building celebrates both light and views. Its rhythmic form captures the essence of flight and travel whilst the simplicity of the public spaces creates an easily legible building for its users. Natural daylight combines with impressive spaces to help create unusually calm public areas for an airport.
The Airport Terminal is the first major building in Guernsey that is seen and experienced when traveling by air, and as such needs to set a standard. This is an icon building which achieves this standard and provides a warm welcome to the Island.
The Panel would like to encourage the States to continue to work with highly skilled and sensitive architects to produce high quality buildings of this calibre for Guernsey."
For the 860,000 passengers likely to travel through Guernsey Airport this year, the new terminal building will provide a very impressive gateway to the Islands.
Guernsey Airport
has direct links to many
UK
Cities, so why not take the opportunity to see
the new building for yourself.
