Infrastructure, Construction & Developments

[TheLocalYokel]

The travellators were not on the initial planning application so there is no going back.

Are you saying it would not be possible to fit them now? Legally? Or just because no provision has been made at the time and there's not enough space? I would be very surprised if that was so, and I seem to remember claims that passive provision has been made.

The original planning consents have seen amendments permitted by the local authority as is often the case with builds of this magnitude.

For example, in 2013 the airport successfuly made this application for an amendment,.............. following passenger feedback relating to the existing Western Walkway, we are proposing to install more lifts and an escalator in the Central Walkway and Gate Lounge than were anticipated on the approved drawings.

Other amendments relating to the Central Walkway and Gate Lounge were also allowed by the local authority.

When I spoke to a senior member of the airport's management team last year I was given to understand that at that time the cost of installing a travellator would be high and that it was not felt that such expense would be justified. No mention was made of any legal or physical obstacles.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

I looked into the terminal this morning and, unless I'm having a senior moment, some of the counters on the right hand side as you enter the main departures entrance seem to have been removed and the seating re-arranged. If I'm right I'm trying to remember which counters have gone.

On another point, when does the eastern extension to the terminal open to the public? I seem to recall 1st July mentioned a while ago but there still seems work outside to be completed.

 

[kraktoa]

The counters used to be KLM, SN Brussels, Thomas Cook and all the charters, they have all moved to the annex on the left. Whats left is EZY and MoneyCorp and a few internet computers plus much needed seating.

This is all i can think of.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Many thanks, kraktoa.

 

[jfy1999]

Why do airlines keep moving around the terminal? It must cost time and money, and then the new arrangements aren't always the best. Flybe and Ryanair used to have their desks in the south departure hall at BHX as they used that part of the terminal. Now Thomson, who don't use that part of the terminal, have muscled in and taken over all Flybe's desks.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Why do airlines keep moving around the terminal? It must cost time and money, and then the new arrangements aren't always the best. Flybe and Ryanair used to have their desks in the south departure hall at BHX as they used that part of the terminal. Now Thomson, who don't use that part of the terminal, have muscled in and taken over all Flybe's desks.

Airports and supermarkets it would seem.

My wife tells me that our local Tesco is forever moving items from one part of the store to another.

The rationale for supermarkets is apparently that when customers are looking around for the new home of the things they want to purchase their eye is taken by the replacement goods and some will purchase them as well (or at least some people will purchase some), when in normal circumstances they would not bother to look for them.

Airports no doubt have different reasons. I suspect that at BRS it's down to the amelioration going on in the terminal as a whole. As for TOM at BHX, maybe they decided that the previous Flybe desks were in a better position for them.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

On another point, when does the eastern extension to the terminal open to the public? I seem to recall 1st July mentioned a while ago but there still seems work outside to be completed.

To answer my own question, it will be this Friday. I've had an email from BRS today.

 

[kraktoa]

Airport wide blackout at 10 am today. Everything was in darkness. Even mobile telephony was down. Turned out that it was a region wide problem with clevedon, nailsea etc also affected. Lasted about 30 mins.

Planes were landing though.

Did occur to me that in the rush to complete the departures extension some builder drilled through a mains cable. Obviously not.

 

[superking]

poster on another forum was saying terminal extension opened at 3 am this morning. also said terminal looked cool.

 

[kraktoa]

Have uploaded some photos of fab extension to the airport thread. If someone could please bring it here. Thanks

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Have uploaded some photos of fab extension to the airport thread. If someone could please bring it here. Thanks

Could you please clarify what you are seeking. Many thanks.

 

[kraktoa]

i have uploaded 3 photos to the thread Bristol Airport photo gallery. would it be possible to bring those photos here to this thread.

edit: i cant see my uploaded photos in the gallery thread so they must not have uploaded properly

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Now understood, thank you.

I'll PM you.

 

[kraktoa]

View media item 3443Bristol airport departures, by kraktoa, hosted on Forums4airports.com

View media item 3439Bristol airport departures, by kraktoa, hosted on Forums4airports.com

View media item 3438Bristol airport departures, by kraktoa, hosted on Forums4airports.com

 

[Aviador]

Looking good! Thanks for sharing them with us.

 

[kraktoa]

I am very impressed with the new build. It fits brilliantly with the existing terminal and does not look like an after thought or add on. The Bristol blue glass chandelier seen in photo 3 is not too imposing and just the right size. The roof feature shown in their press photos is also quite a minor structure and not too over powering. The shop fronts also have quite a lot of space inside and outside.

Only one outdoor seating space is kitted out. it belongs to a bar called The Cabin situated inside. A sign says that this outdoor seating is for Cabin diners only. could mislead people into thinking it is for cabin crew.

another part of the outdoor space has not yet been opened to the public.

A new first class lounge called Aspire Plus is restricted to business class travellers and is also ticketed.

The older aspire lounge is for all travellers willing to fork out 20 quid for free drinks and finger foods.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Great pictures, kraktoa. It does look impressive.

There is an item on the airport website about the opening at http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/about-u ... ure-lounge

This bit of the item addresses some of the points you made:

...............and The Cabin, offering fine wine, craft beers and locally sourced food in a relaxing atmosphere, including a stylish outdoor terrace.

Outdoor space can also be accessed by those not dining, with a rooftop garden featuring quirky sculptures expected to prove popular. Along with a second executive lounge, this will open as part of phase two within a few weeks’ time.

The open air terrace is not the only feature intended to make the new look departure lounge stand out from the crowd. The terminal extension has been designed to capture the essence of the South West, with finishes, colours and textures taking inspiration from the Airport’s locale. The use of timber and reeds alongside interior planting nod to the region’s natural beauty, while a striking lighting feature makes use of Bristol’s iconic blue glass to dramatic effect.

I'm not currently due to travel through BRS until early September. I will certainly be keen to have a close look at the new extension.

 

[Aviador]

I like the natural light too. Far too many airport terminals are dark and stuffy. The natural light will make it feel light and airy.

 

[superking]

the bbc news reports friday morning were full of the airport extension opening.
found it rather strange that there was no mention on friday nights local news round up,of the airport extension was opened.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

the bbc news reports friday morning were full of the airport extension opening.
found it rather strange that there was no mention on friday nights local news round up,of the airport extension was opened.

I didn't see much of the local tv news on Friday but in general terms the Bristol area news media (broadcast and print) don't feature the airport very much and, when they do, it's usually because the airport has issued a press release on a topic that is invariably re-produced verbatim in the local paper.

Unlike in South Wales where the local radio, local tv and local papers regularly discuss CWL with their business/industrial correspondents giving their views on that airport, its future etc, as well as independent aviaiton experts giving their views, we seem to have none of that in the West Country. The local paper and local tv stations do supposedly have business correspondents but they self-generate very little airport-wise.

I'd like to see some serious non-partisan debate in the local news media at times but it never seems to happen. For all I admire about BRS it's natural that its press releases will always paint it in a positive light.