Southend Airport expansion says it is ‘on target for 2012’
Date added: 28 June, 2010
29.6.2010 (Southend Echo)
a very pro-airport story ….
By John Geoghegan
THE expansion of Southend Airport is "gathering momentum" in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics, according to bosses.
Trains have just carried out successful test runs through the new £12million
airport railway station, while scaffolding has been removed from the £3million
control tower which is also being built.
Just a week ago, plans for a £10million, 129-bedroom hotel at the airport were
unveiled. Managing director Alastair Welch has confirmed other key construction projects are on target to meet their completion
dates.
The station is on the National Express line, from Southend Victoria to London
Liverpool Street, and is being funded by Southend Airport and its owner, the Stobart Group.
It is scheduled for completion later this summer, while the long-awaited air
traffic control tower is expected to be fully operational from February.
Replacing the current tower, which was built in the Sixties as a temporary measure,
it will be equipped with state-of-the-art systems and improved views of the runway.
Essex company Readie Constr-uction, which is carrying out the work, has just
installed new windows.
Meanwhile, roadworks to divert Eastwoodbury Lane to make way for the extended
runway will begin in the autumn, and plans for the new terminal building are also
beginning to take shape.
The aim is for Southend Airport to become a fully-functioning regional airport
by 2012.
Mr Welch said: "The regeneration of London Southend Airport is gathering momentum,
and we are finally starting to see everything we have planned and worked for take
shape.
"We’re on course for our target of playing a pivotal role in the 2012 Olympics.
"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 create
local jobs and play a major part in helping to regenerate the area.
"These are very exciting times for London Southend Airport."
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/8242903.Southend_Airport_expansion__on_target_for_2012_/
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Posted: Monday, June 28th, 2010. Filed in News about Airports.
