THE details of a brand new viewing platform at Teesside Airport have been revealed as plans show how it will take shape on the roof of the terminal building.
A two-storey Sky Bar and outdoor viewing platform is set to open by next summer as work will begin in coming weeks, The D&S Times can reveal.
The development, which will be open to visitors and accessible from the main entrance, will replace the outdated existing viewing platform to the right of the terminal.
It comes as calls for the return of an elevated viewing platform were re-ignited following the reintroduction of a number of commercial flights last year.
Read more: Hugely-popular viewing platform at Teesside Airport to make RETURN 'within months'
At the time of its closure, visitors far and wide expressed major disappointment with some taking to social media and launching calls for it to remain open.
But confirming the plans last night, the airport said the new space would give passengers and enthusiasts a new facility for spotting aircraft, continuing to operate free of charge.
Plans show how existing offices will be transformed into a "welcome area" and bar overlooking the runway, while the outdoor viewing platform will take shape on the roof.
The Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen explained that while the existing area is good, enthusiasts and visitors were left hampered by its ground floor height.
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He said: “The airport’s old viewing platform was much-loved, well-used and there have been frequent calls from people across the region to have it reopened.
“We’ve had a lot of feedback in person and on social media saying that while the existing area is good, it would be even better to have something at height to get the best views and pictures of planes taking off and landing.
“We’ve listened to that reaction and, to bring the viewing platform up to date and in keeping with the airport’s refreshed new look fit for the 21st century, we are incorporating it into our recently transformed terminal building.
“The viewing platform will still be free to use, but with the added benefits of being able to grab a drink, relax in comfort and enjoy watching the ever-increasing number of planes arrive and depart whatever the weather.”
'We know how popular the old viewing platform has been over the years'
The viewing platform and bar has been designed by Darlington-based, Corstorphine & Wright, who also helped design parts of the terminal building during its refurbishment.
Tom Harrison, Associate Director at Corstorphine & Wright Architects, said: “This is another exciting and different project we’re proud to be working on for Teesside Airport.
"We know how popular the old viewing platform has been over the years and we’re working hard to get this right, with the perfect elevation so people can enjoy uninterrupted views of the aircraft.
"We’re confident our plans will get even more people flocking to see the aircraft whether they are travelling or not.”
Teesside Airport said that like with the Landside Cafe, those who make a purchase at the Sky Bar will be given two hours free parking.
It comes as airport finances last month revealed it was almost £14m in the red as the Covid pandemic took its toll on the aviation sector.
Read more: Teesside Airport makes huge losses with £14 MILLION lost in last year
At the time, the Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said that the past year's losses would be "slashed" as he said the airport would return to profit by 2024.
Meanwhile, Labour MP for Stockton North Alex Cunningham said the loss had been “substantial” and that he hoped Mr Houchen’s promises would come to fruition.
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