Guernsey Consults On Airport Redevelopment

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

22 March 2010

The Guernsey government has launched a consultation with airport users on scheduled closures as part of a redevelopment of the island’s airport, expected to start in May 2011.

In September 2009, the States agreed a programme of essential works at Guernsey Airport. It involves reconstruction of the runway and other hard surfaces at the airfield, and the replacement or refurbishment of the drainage system, airfield lighting and other key operational systems.

The works will be scheduled to maintain normal airport operations throughout, as far as possible. This will require the majority of work on the runway and taxiways to be carried out overnight, with work on apron areas continuing during the day. However last year’s States report detailing the project also identified a need for a short airport closure for certain elements of the work.

This will include the reconstruction of the western end of the runway, which requires a closure so that the work can be carried out in a way that will lessen the overall visual impact of the development, and reduce the amount of fill material that has to be imported.

Commenting, Public Services Minister, Bernard Flouquet said the closures were necessary, but the Department would listen to airport users before finalizing the schedule for these: “The complex nature of the works, including some extensive reconstruction of the western end of the runway, makes some closures inevitable. That said, every effort will be made in detailed discussions with contractors to reduce these to a minimum,” he said.

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