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Island's new airport departure lounge to open soon

BBC A giant Jersey cow made of wicker. Behind it you can see airport seating and walls clad in wood. BBC
The team behind the new lounge said they wanted the design to represent Jersey in an authentic way

Jersey Airport's newly refurbished £10m departure lounge will finally be seen by members of the public "as early as next week", Ports of Jersey's chief executive has said.

The hall includes a viewing platform, wicker cows, Jersey granite and signage in the island's native language Jèrriais.

Matt Thomas said the re-design had been paid for solely with revenues generated by the island's ports.

Thomas said more than 100 companies and more than 1,000 people had been involved in the refurbishment project, while the designs had been informed by a public consultation.

'Celebrate Jersey'

He said: "We asked a lot of islanders 'what do you love about the island?' What came through really strongly is, 'we want to celebrate Jersey's land.'"

"So you think hedgerows, wooded lanes, wildlife, and we've tried to bring those through, but not in a gimmicky way, just in a very authentic and subtle way."

The new departure lounge also includes a family area which was designed with charity Brighter Futures, a quiet space where passengers can work and a duty free shopping area.

The next phase is due to include more shops, a sensory room and a new assisted travel lounge.

A wide view of the departures lounge from above. You can see colourful seating, information screens, granite columns, foliage, wicker cows and a mezzanine level viewing platform.
The newly completed lounge is the first phase of a wider redevelopment project at the airport

Thomas also said a single bar and restaurant would open during the next phase, and more food and beverage outlets could in future be created in the mezzanine level.

He said that the £10m spend had also included investment in new heating, flooring, air conditioning and power supplies.

"We have not had a penny of taxpayer support since we were created in 2015. So this is all from the revenues we generate," he added.

"But we're very, very confident that there's going to be amazing duty free and restaurant here - so it's actually going to pay for itself, which again, it's great for islanders."

Matt Thomas pictured smiling in the new lounge. Soft colourful seating is visible behind him. He's wearing a blue blazer and light blue shirt. He has short brown hair. You can see a wicker cow behind him and airport screens.
Ports CEO Matt Thomas is part of the redesign

As part of the redevelopment project, changes - including the introduction of a new parking area - have been made to the parking layout at the airport.

But after these came into effect in September, some islanders questioned the visibility of signs and the transparency of charges.

One driver was unexpectedly charged £36.38 for a 12-minute stay while another described having difficulties reading the "menu" of parking options from his vehicle.

Thomas said communication of the changes could have been better.

"We don't get everything right first time," he said.

A picture of a wall in an airport. It is a sage green colour, with granite surrounding it. There is an airport departure screen visible with flights listed. On the wall in large lettering are the words Bouan Viage
The revamp includes prominent placement for the island's native language, Jèrriais

"The challenge we're trying to solve is more people are flying through the airport, we're running out of space, so we will be creating more space."

Thomas added: "Honestly...this is better than any UK airport now."

He added: "I defy anyone to come here and not be charmed."

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