An in-depth understanding of North Queensland is behind the appointment of a local architect group, which will be responsible for developing the look and feel of the Townsville Airport terminal redevelopment.

Townsville-based i4architecture, together with global firm Group GSA, has been selected to work in partnership on the project following a closed tender process.

The appointment comes as plans to redevelp the terminal gather pace, with construction expected to get underway by the middle of this year.

Townsville Airport Chief Operating Officer Kevin Gill said the architects’ joint tender stood out because of the obvious grasp of the region’s uniqueness.

“Local procurement and employment is a focus for the redevelopment of Townsville Airport, so we were pleased to receive an excellent tender by i4architecture and Group GSA,” he said.

“Their deep understanding of the region is no doubt influenced by the fact i4architecture has been part of the architectural landscape of North Queensland for more than 40 years, while Group GSA offers extensive experience in the aviation industry across Australia and overseas.

“As the gateway to North Queensland, Townsville Airport has an important role to play providing a positive first and last impression for all travellers.

“We are committed to delivering an airport experience that delights our customers and is one that North Queenslanders are proud of.”

Mr Gill said the airport’s redevelopment was moving ahead after reaching financial close on a $50 million loan from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) late last year.

“Works to upgrade the terminal roof are now underway, and we are about to appoint a contractor for other core infrastructure works, which will enable the terminal redevelopment to move ahead,” he said.  

i4architecture director Jon Larrazabal said he was honoured to be part of such a significant development.

“As a long-established Townsville company, we are committed to the North Queensland region,” he said.

“Our appointment to this project is testament to Townsville Airport’s commitment to using locals and supporting the local economy.

“Our long history in the region will ensure the project design will have an authentic North Queensland feel.”

Group GSA Principal Angela Spillane said her team was excited to be collaborating with i4 and the Townville Airport team to deliver an important project for the city.

“We have extensive experience and strong knowledge in airports and aviation projects such as Sydney Airport T1 Marketplace, Cairns Airport and Coffs Harbour Airport, so when we received the brief, we were excited to be involved in the design aspect of Townsville Airport terminal,” she said.

“The terminal redevelopment will reflect the way that passengers are facilitated through airport terminals and increase terminal capacity, as well as improve operating efficiency, mitigate safety risks, enhance customer experience, facilitate future passenger growth domestically and internationally and expand the commercial retail and food and beverage offering.”

The redevelopment project will expand and modernise the passenger terminal to meet existing and future capacity requirements. This includes doubling the capacity of the departure lounge, new boarding gates, expanded security areas and the installation of self-check in and bag-drop facilities, and an upgrade to core infrastructure.

‍