18/4/2017

For Immediate Use

Airport Upgrade Stage One Open

The first stage of the $1.3 million upgrade of Richard Pearse Timaru Airport is now open, with the newly sealed car park now in use.

The car park is fully sealed and offers safer pick up and drop off facilities as well as clearer and safer walkways. It will also be more environmentally sustainable, with treatment of all the stormwater run off

It will have 95 general use car parks, with additional parking for people with disabilities, rental cars, people being dropped off and taxis.

Ashley Harper, General Manager Infrastructure at Timaru District Council said he was pleased that the project was making good progress, with stage two works on the terminal beginning soon.

"The car park is free for all users during the terminal upgrade. Once this is complete we will be introducing a $5 per day parking charge, which, amongst all the airports that charge for parking, is still the lowest charge in New Zealand. It will be free for the first three hours.

“The next stage of the upgrade will see the current 450 square metre terminal increased to almost 600 square metres, with a new baggage collection area, modern decor, better seating facilities, lighting and upgraded entrances and exits. The project is on track to be completed by the end of winter.”

Richard Pearse airport is the main airport in South Canterbury, with daily flights between Timaru and Wellington. It was opened in 1958 as a replacement for the earlier 1930's era airfield at Saltwater Creek.

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