WORK has begun on a £15 million project to improve the passenger experience at George Best Belfast City Airport, upgrading the departure lounge, incorporating its retail, food and beverage offering.
This element of the works is being delivered by construction company H&J Martin Fit Out, and the first phase involves demolition works and preparation of areas for the new retail fit-out. The overall scheme is due to be finished by October.
There will be in excess of a 30 per cent increase in retail space, with an expanded offering from World Duty Free and WH Smith.
Food and beverage facilities will be expanded by 25 per cent, with broader choice for customers being introduced along with partner HMS Host, which operates existing facilities including the Bushmills Bar.
Additionally, customer seating will be more than doubled, as will airside customer washroom facilities, which will also be refurbished.
The airport's capital projects and engineering manager Chris Horner said: “Continually enhancing the overall passenger journey is a major objective for Belfast City Airport and this £15m investment will be a key factor in delivering on this commitment.
“Completing the preparation of the existing areas for work to begin on the refurbishment of the retail areas is a significant milestone and we look forward to work progressing further as the new terminal reconfiguration takes shape.”
William Sproule, fit out director at H&J Martin Fit Out, said: “We are committed to delivering a high-quality project that will enhance the passenger experience for years to come.”
