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The Rock is set to become New Zealand’s newest iconic building, according to Wellington Airport |
NEW ZEALAND. Wellington International Airport today revealed a stunning new design for its international passenger terminal. The NZ$39 million (US$31 million) project is being built in two phases. The first phase was finished in December 2007, with the second due for completion by the end of 2009.
The bold and dramatic design, affectionately tagged “The Rock”, is a contrast to the interior design at most international airports. The airport’s South Coast location is represented by the inside aesthetics and outside shell of the building. Coloured fragments of glass in the roof fissure let in a warm, natural light by day and backlighting at night creates a glow which will be seen from the air.
Wellington Airport CEO Steven Fitzgerald said: “Our radical departure from traditional airport design worldwide is entirely deliberate. What is set to become New Zealand’s newest iconic building, The Rock combines functionality and capacity with what will be a memorable visitor experience. It’s edgy and in keeping with our Wild at Heart attitude, reflecting Wellington’s status as a vibrant and daring cultural city. With our commitment to regional tourism and further developing international services, we are creating the airport to take Wellington into the next decade.”
The new design has led to tributes from the worlds of design, politics and industry.
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“This wonderfully dynamic architectural highlight will be a shining star for our city’s future,” said Richard Taylor of designer Weta Workshop.
“Well done to Wellington Airport for being so bold in rejecting the ordinary and embracing the extraordinary. The design of the International Terminal makes a dramatic theatrical statement; it encapsulates beautifully the personality of Wellingtonians and their surrounding environment,” said Suzie Moncrieff of World of Wearable Art, another design firm.
Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast said: “Wellington is the Creative Capital of New Zealand. We welcome and celebrate creativity and innovation. It’s great to see Wellington businesses thinking outside the square and capturing the uniqueness of our city in this way. I have no doubt this terminal will become a talking point, not just nationally, but internationally, once again putting Wellington on the map. It’s fantastic and I congratulate all those involved.”
Positively Wellington Tourism CEO Tim Cossar said: “Wellington has established a reputation for being leading-edge and innovative. Wellington Airport’s new international passenger terminal further confirms that reputation. Its design is eye-catching and iconic, giving visitors a feel for Wellington’s creative spirit, right from the moment they arrive. This is just the sort of new development Wellington needs to keep positioning itself competitively in domestic and international markets.”
There are currently two duty free retailers at the location. Wellington Airport appointed Regency Duty Free as its second duty free retailer in mid-2006. When Duty Free Stores New Zealand’s lease expires in mid-2009, Regency will operate as the exclusive retailer until 2014.
In 2007, international passenger numbers at Wellington Airport grew by +5.1% compared to the previous 12 months, a trend that the airport said is expected to continue.
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