New terminal takes shape
Taupō Airport’s new terminal building is starting to take shape, with the steel frame and roof nearly completed.
Trevor Watts of Watts Construction said the project had not been without Covid-19 challenges, but his team is making good progress.
“Yes we’ve had a few holdups with Covid and materials supply issues but we’re through the bulk of that now and the structural steel is all but completed," Mr Watts said.
"We’re all prepared for the new roof, which will be coming this week, and the installation of that will take about a week. It is quite a unique design, and I think the building will really come into its own when the cladding goes on to it and we'll get an idea of just how good this is going to look.”
Mr Watts said working with local architects Stephenson & Turner had made the process of building the unique design much easier and was also helping to keep the project on track.
“They have been great and we’re looking forward to future projects with them. A partnership like this means we can get a great quality job done, and produce something that is going to be a legacy for Taupō and that is going to make a great first impression on visitors to our district.
"This has to be world class and at its peak we’ll have nearly 30 people working on site – local plumbers, local electricians, and local painters – and they’re all proud to be a part of this project. So watch this space – it’s exciting times for our district!”
Airport operations manager Kim Gard said the new terminal will be approximately three times larger than the existing one, including the baggage facility, and the extra space would be welcomed.
“While travel has been impacted by Covid restrictions, we know that post-Covid our airport will be back to its busy self.
"In the past when aircraft have been arriving and departing it can be very congested. We really want to make a great impression on our visitors and the new terminal will give us the space to be able to do that.”
Photo above: Trevor Watts of Watts Construction, left, with Taupō Airport operations manager Kim Gard overlooking the new airport terminal, with the existing terminal in the background.
