Published: 17 Jan 2017

The upgrade of Richard Pearse Timaru Airport has been given permission to take off following the awarding of the building and car park construction contracts.

The contracts have been awarded following a tender process, in late December, for the two components of the $1.3 million upgrade.

Timaru firm, Colin Shore Building has been awarded the terminal upgrade part of the work, with Fulton Hogan being awarded the car park expansion and redevelopment.

Ashley Harper, Group Manager Infrastructure at Timaru District Council said he was pleased that the work in making the airport a nicer, safer and more user friendly facility could begin.

"The work on the car park will start next week, with work on the terminal upgrade expected to start in March/April. Both the car park and terminal will remain fully functional during the construction period.

"The works should be finished around late July or August. Once completed, we will be introducing a $5 per day parking charge, which, amongst all the airports that charge for parking, is still the lowest charge in New Zealand. It will be free for the first two hours."

The upgrade will see the current 450 square metre terminal increased to almost 600 square metres, with a new baggage collection area, modern decor, better seating facilities, lighting and upgraded entrances and exits.

The car park will be fully sealed and offer safer pick up and drop off facilities as well as clearer and safer walkways. It will also be more environmentally sustainable, with treatment of all the stormwater run off.

Richard Pearse airport is the main airport in South Canterbury, with daily flights between Timaru and Wellington. It was opened in 1958 as a replacement for the earlier 1930s era airfield at Saltwater Creek.

Last updated: 24 Feb 2021