THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

Resource consent approved for new Wellington Airport control tower

Resource consent has been granted for a new air traffic control tower for Wellington Airport – a building which will appear to lean into Wellington’s prevailing northerly wind.

Wellington City Council released its consent approval decision to Airways New Zealand late last week. In his decision, the consent hearing commissioner said he was satisfied that the necessity for a new tower had been established, and that in his view the tower had a modern and high quality design reflective of its context while also referencing the windy Wellington.

The new control tower will be 32 metres high and situated at the Wellington Airport retail shopping centre on Tirangi Road, Lyall Bay. It has been designed by Wellington-based architecture firm Studio of Pacific Architecture to be in keeping with both the existing and proposed future airport environment, and to meet necessary technical and operational requirements.

Airways’ Chief Operating Officer Pauline Lamb says the company is pleased at the council’s prompt decision to approve the building of a necessary piece of aviation infrastructure and a new landmark for Wellington.

“This will enable us to progress with the project as planned and in line with our investment programme. Our controllers will have a good view of the airfield from this new site, which is positioned to maximise efficient operations now and into the future. We’re looking forward to getting the tower built and up and running,” says Ms Lamb.

The new tower will replace Airways’ existing control tower at 34 Tirangi Road, which is nearing the end of its life. Construction is expected to start in January 2016.

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