Duration: 8 months
Website: www.cardiff-airport.com
About the project:
As part of the £4m transformation at Cardiff Airport, Powell won the prestigious contract for the fit out and refurbishment of the Departure Lounge, Executive Lounge and 51° Business Lounge.
With passenger numbers now at nearly 1.5 million a year at Cardiff Airport, and with double digit growth projected for 2018/2019, the objective of the recent investment was to improve overall experience for passengers flying out of Wales.
Powell completed the works over an eight-month period, in time for the busy summer season and the start of a new regular service to the Middle East with Qatar Airways. Works included space planning, partitioning, flooring, acoustic ceilings and seating areas including USB-ports and plug sockets, as well as new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting and power.
To accommodate anticipated growth, the newly extended Departure Lounge is now light and airy, with panoramic views across the airfield for customers to enjoy. Powell also completed all relocation works for WHSmith and managed the extension to the store during a busy, live environment.
The interior features a bespoke slated wooden ceiling and wall graphics portraying key Welsh landmarks, including Wales Millennium Centre, Big Pit and Cardiff Castle, showcasing what’s truly special about Wales. Powell delivered a wide range of seating options, including upcycled wooden benches, from Green Furniture Concept, with a signature curvature, to accommodate passenger comfort preferences.
With stunning views across the Vale of Glamorgan, the stylish Executive Lounge and new 51° Business Lounge offers commuters touchdown areas, in the form of high benches with mobile device charging points, as well as a wide range of local produce to enjoy.
Furthermore, Powell decorated the lounge in slate grey colour, a decision inspired by our famous Welsh slate heritage.
Powell worked closely with Wales’ leading architectural firm Powell Dobson, as well as numerous contractors and suppliers, who were proud to be delivering a prestigious large-scale project at Cardiff Airport.
Powell meticulously project managed the refurbishment, working in a live airport environment that had to be phased accordingly to avoid disruption to passengers, with gate access and travel routes having to be carefully planned.
Also, with bespoke ceilings and furniture, staff had to complete the work by sectioning off areas with demountable hoarding, abiding by health and safety standards and airport security regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Powell completed the interior transformation ahead of an exciting time for the airport, opening new tourism and trade links between South Wales and the rest of the world, contributing towards the local economy here in Wales. The new environment will put Cardiff Airport at an excellent position to make the very most of these opportunities.
Not only will the fit out investment significantly transform the experience for customers by offering more choice and quality in welcoming surroundings, but for Wales’ national airport, the new interior proudly portrays Welsh heritage and culture.
