International property and infrastructure group Lendlease has been appointed to deliver Gold Coast Airport’s southern terminal expansion – the next phase of the $370 million airport redevelopment, Project LIFT.

The agreement will see the development – a three-level terminal, including aerobridges, built to the south of the current facility – move forward in coming months. The project will generate up to 1500 jobs during construction.

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said Lendlease’s appointment represented a significant step forward for the Gold Coast Airport project, which would address capacity issues and pave the way for future passenger growth.

“Gold Coast Airport looks after 6.6 million passengers a year, and this will more than double by 2037,” he said.

“The existing terminal is currently operating beyond capacity. This expansion will not only help us meet demand, it will create an entry point to the city, befitting the nation’s leading tourism region.

“Last year we completed the first phase of Project LIFT, the 20,000 square metre expansion of our apron to create more aircraft parking space leading into the Commonwealth Games.”

Mr Mills said Lendlease was an ideal partner for the important project, with extensive experience in property and construction, including work in the aviation sector.

“We look forward to working with Lendlease on the terminal expansion, which will commence soon and is expected to be completed in mid-2021,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack welcomed news of the major airport project proceeding.

“This is good news for the Gold Coast and Northern NSW, where the population is forecast to grow significantly in the next 20 years,” he said.

“This will continue to open the region to connections for tourists and locals, with a modern and efficient airport to keep pace with the increase in demand over time.”

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the project would support growth of the tourism sector on the Gold Coast, which was Australia’s premier holiday destination.

“First impressions are everything. That’s why this project is so important when it comes to giving tourists a great experience on the Gold Coast,” she said.

“We also know that ensuring tourists have easy access to the Coast is crucial when it comes to growing the local tourism industry. We’ll continue to work with the Gold Coast Airport to secure more flights direct to the city in the future.”

Lendlease Building Chief Executive Officer Dale Connor said the announcement reflected the strong relationship between Lendlease and Queensland Airports, and signaled an exciting opportunity for both the construction phase and Gold Coast Airport passengers.

“We look forward to working with Queensland Airports to expand the Gold Coast Airport in preparation for future domestic and international growth,” he said.

“Over the life of the project, we’ll be employing upwards of 1500 subcontractors and suppliers – many of whom will be local to the Gold Coast.

“During peak construction times, approximately 250 workers will be required onsite at any one time.”

The new terminal will double the floor area of the existing terminal and offer more flexibility to service domestic and international services, depending on demand.

The announcement comes after ground was broken on the Gold Coast Airport hotel site in early February. A 192-room Rydges-branded hotel is being built adjacent to the southern terminal footprint.

Gold Coast Airport is on the move. By 2037 the airport will contribute $818 million annually to the region and support an estimated 20,000 full time jobs.

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