BOURNEMOUTH Airport’s multi-million pound transformation is taking shape as work on its impressive new terminal building progresses.

With the shell of the new building almost completed, the new glass and steel building has been built around the former departures hall, enveloping it while day-to-day operations have continued uninterrupted for the past 12 months.

With six departure gates leading out from an extensive food and duty free area, regular visitors to the airport at Hurn will find the new facilities, when they open early next summer, almost unrecognisable.

There will be three security areas, a bigger check in area for people as well as a new coffee and catering site and a larger shop on the site, which is double the size of the old building.

Rob Goldsmith, managing director of the airport said: “People are very, very excited.

“They can really see from the outside the scale of the transformation and are getting a taste of what the new facilities will provide.

“We are on track and should be aiming for an opening in early summer next year.

“To be on track in a time of recession is amazing.

“This is not just an investment for the airport but is an investment for the whole region.”

The managing director, who took over the reins from former director Peter Duffy over a year ago, said the next phase of the £45 million development would concentrate on the arrivals’ hall.

“We have adapted the order of the work in line with other developments that have taken place.

“People tend to spend more time in departures so it was important that we look towards completing this first,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing it all completed. We have worked hard to maintain the family feel that people love about this airport but at the same time modernise it for 21st century use.

“We believe we have struck a good balance.”

The new terminal, which also includes eco-friendly measures including a high-tech heating and cooling system and low energy light bulbs, is just one part of a total overhaul of the airport.

Other works include the replacement of navigation systems, the resurfacing of the runway, and expansion of the apron, which is now able to accommodate 11 aircraft.