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Airport parking and layout under review

Airport parking and layout under review

Monday 26 September 2022

Airport parking and layout under review

Monday 26 September 2022


Guernsey Airport could need some major construction work, with one of the island's most prominent figures in the construction industry saying there is a "litany" of problems with it.

Stuart Falla was speaking at a Scrutiny hearing last week, looking over the mandate of the States Trading Supervisory Body.

The STSB is responsible for island infrastructure such as the harbours and airport, as well as electricity and water supplies.

Mr Falla was present, alongside STSB President, Deputy Peter Roffey, in his capacity as a non States member on the board.

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Pictured: Stuart Falla and Deputy Peter Roffey.

During a section of the hearing focused on Guernsey Airport, Deputy John Dyke raised concerns about the appearance of the airport terminal building. Mr Falla responded, agreeing with him on a number of issues.

"I think the construction was awful, the design was awful," said Mr Falla. "A lot of the things can't be maintained because of the way they were built in the first place. The design was poor. I could go through a litany of the stuff we've found." 

He added that "it's operated 'with one hand tied behind our back' but it doesn't mean we can't improve things."

Mr Falla, and Deputy Roffey, said a review is being carried out with a plan being formed to improve the terminal building which could include reconfiguring the space inside.

Deputy Roffey said it will likely come down to money though.

"If we want to get rid of all the rust, and we do that with user charges, it means, I don't know, a 20% or 30% increase on landing fees which will have an impact on the broader economy of Guernsey. We do need a grown up conversation. We do have to be seen as a modern, successful, vibrant territory."

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Pictured: Late arrivals waiting for a taxi at Guernsey Airport earlier this year.

The airport car park was also subject to scrutiny, with questions asked over how busy it is at peak, and other times. 

Mr Falla said that a multi storey car park could be built adjacent to the airport on the site of a house which the States bought.

Deputy Roffey also commented on the issue with taxis which has been widely reported, and which he said was linked to the increased number of car owners choosing to drive to the airport and leave their vehicle there. 

"There has been such a fundamental failure of the whole public transport system in relation to taxis, you could contact all the taxis and there still could be none available to come," he said.

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