Airport Development Flying Along
Preparation for take-off picking up pace
Just days after plans for a stunning 129-bedroom hotel at London Southend Airport were unveiled, Managing Director Alastair Welch has confirmed other vital construction projects required to make London Southend Airport a fully-functioning regional airport by 2012 are on target to meet their completion dates.
Trains have carried out successful test runs through the new London Southend Airport Railway station which sits on the National Express East Anglia Southend Victoria to London Liverpool Street line. The £12 million scheme is being funded by London Southend Airport and its owner, the Stobart Group, with the work on schedule for completion later this summer.
The long-awaited new air traffic control tower is also progressing well. The current structure was originally erected in the 1960’s as a temporary measure but will finally make way for a £3 million replacement - built by Essex firm Readie Construction – equipped with state-of-the-art systems and which gives much-improved views of the runway. The new tower’s windows have been installed and the scaffolding has just been removed. It too is on schedule and is expected to be fully operational from February 2011.
Road works required to enable the diversion of Eastwoodbury Lane will begin in autumn, and plans for the new terminal building are also beginning to take shape.
Alastair Welch, Managing Director of London Southend Airport, says "The regeneration of London Southend Airport is gathering momentum and we are finally starting to see everything we have planned and worked for taking shape. I’m delighted to say, we’re on course for our target of playing a pivotal role in the 2012 Olympics."
He adds, "This investment and development programme will provide the opportunity for local people to fly to a range of holiday and business destinations across Europe, as well as creating local jobs and playing a major part in helping to regenerate the area. These are very exciting times for London Southend Airport."
Local people can already fly to Jersey for a reasonable cost on a weekly service from London Southend Airport. Bookings at flybe.com or through Travelsmith on 01621 784666. This service lasts until 18 September 2010
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