COMPARED with the new departures building, the old arrivals hall at Bournemouth Airport currently looks a bit shabby.

But as part of the £45 million transformation of the airport facilities at Hurn, new plans to turn the out-of-date hall into a modern, welcoming area for returning holidaymakers and visitors have been approved.

The newly revised plans for the low-carbon building will turn the current arrivals hall into one of the most innovative airport structures in the UK.

Councillors at Christchurch Borough Council gave the go-ahead to the revised plans and praised the airport for the extensive work already undergone at Hurn.

John Twigg, group planning director at Manchester Airport Group, said: “There will be nothing like this building in the UK.

“It really is innovative and part of the reason we have changed the plans.

“I understand the concerns about the difference in the appearance to the departures building but we believe the contrast works well.”

The flat roof appearance of the building allows for north-facing roof lights while an efficient heating system, lighting and thermal mass are also included to help the structure achieve its low carbon claim.

A covered walkway will link the new departures and arrivals hall with plans to start on the work within the next few weeks.

Rob Goldsmith, managing director, said: “We are delighted that Christchurch Borough Council has approved this design of the new arrivals building.

“This will be an innovative structure with 70 per cent less CO2 emissions than the previous design.

“It is, we believe, the first airport building of its type in the UK.

“It will provide a fitting welcome to visitors to the region.

“It is the next step in our plans and we are looking forward to completing the project.”