Yesterday, the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Warren Truss, officially opened Brisbane Airport’s (BNE) A$45m International Terminal redevelopment – which included the 4,600sq m expansion of retail space – following 18 months of construction works.

Twenty four new retail tenancies were progressively opened during the works with more than 4,600sq m of additional retail space created.

Julieanne Alroe, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) CEO and Managing Director said the unveiling marked a ‘significant milestone’ in the terminal’s 20-year history with the refurbishment putting Brisbane International ‘on the map as one of the most beautiful in the world, while establishing a global benchmark for design’.

Twenty four new retail tenancies were progressively opened during the works with more than 4,600sq m of additional retail space created.

“This project has been a labour of love for everyone who has worked on it over the last few years, helping to create a truly unique gateway to Queensland,” said Alroe.

“Everything we set out to achieve was accomplished to the highest quality, all while working within a secure terminal which continued to operate 24/7.

“This project was completed on time and on budget without any major disruptions to passengers or operations due to a focused and collaborative approach by all.

“Everyone associated with the project from the architects and designers, contractors, retailers, project managers, operations team and tenants are to be commended. Not one detail has been overlooked and the result is outstanding.

“I’d also like to thank our passengers who have been very patient and understanding during this long build.”

Julieanne Alroe, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) CEO and Managing Director said the unveiling marked a ‘significant milestone’ in the terminal’s 20-year history with the refurbishment putting Brisbane International ‘on the map as one of the most beautiful in the world, while establishing a global benchmark for design’.

With the goal of breaking the usual ‘airport mould’ and creating a distinct space that differentiated Brisbane Airport from all others, the redevelopment has already been recognised with the Qld Property Council Award for Excellence in Design.

Elements of the redevelopment included; a new themed Departures lounge, incorporating a sense of place that is ‘uniquely Brisbane’; new walk through Duty Free stores for both Departures and Arrivals; new specialty retail and food and beverage outlets; improved way finding for passengers and ‘unrivalled’ views of aviation activity on the tarmac.

“Every part of the project was carefully designed to leverage the unique character of Brisbane, with a specific focus on Queensland’s enviable outdoor lifestyle and creating an environment that encapsulated the personality of Brisbane and Queensland,” says BNE.

Elements of the redevelopment included; a new themed Departures lounge, incorporating a sense of place that is ‘uniquely Brisbane’; new walk through Duty Free stores for both Departures and Arrivals; new specialty retail and food and beverage outlets; improved way finding for passengers and ‘unrivalled’ views of aviation activity on the tarmac.

Queensland artists were also selected to provide key pieces within the redevelopment and local materials were used for a variety of aspects to support Queensland and Australian suppliers.

While the finishing touches were being made on this major renovation, in the wings another project was quietly gaining momentum at the International Terminal – the construction of three new airline lounges and a day spa, due for completion in early 2016.

“This really is an exceptionally exciting growth phase for Brisbane Airport and these ongoing improvements will enable us to accommodate more passengers, offer a wider choice of routes and carriers and make greater economic contributions to our city and state,” adds Alroe.