NEWCASTLE – The municipality hopes to recommence scheduled flights from April next year.
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Newcastle Municipal Director of Economic Development, Ferdie Alberts, explained this loose deadline was dependent on the pace at which Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) compliance was reached.
Currently, contractors are on site with the fencing off of the airport precinct.
“It is a four month contract. The contractor has indicated the completion is planned for the beginning of December 2016.”
Mr Alberts added the tender for refurbishment of the existing airport building and construction of the Technology Hub information office closed at the end of September.
The process is now at the adjudication phase.
He said the time frame for completion of the building project was a year, but estimated the terminal building would be done by March 2017.
“The fencing of the Techno Hub is currently taking place, and the construction of the information office will start in November 2017. We are also in discussions with potential investors, who wish to establish at the hub site.”
Mr Alberts elaborated on the Technology Hub initiative, noting funding from the European Union was earmarked to upgrade infrastructure at the precinct.
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This would allow easier establishment for potential investors.
“The types of investors which will be allowed are high-tech companies, and also companies involved in research and development. Investors involved in air related activities like flying schools will also receive preference.”
