The Hamilton Aero Club at the Hamilton Airport.
THE Hamilton Airport terminal will close this weekend until redevelopment upgrades are complete in January next year.
Friday will be the final day of the terminal’s operations for the year as work is taken to extend the facility’s longevity and modernise amenities.
Southern Grampians Shire Council will instead use the Hamilton Aero Club rooms as a temporary terminal facility to help minimise disruptions to passengers.
Sharp Airlines director Malcolm Sharp said the airline welcomed the redevelopments and had been working closely with the council.
“All passenger services will be running as normal albeit through temporary facilities at the Hamilton Aero Club,” Mr Sharp said.
“Our administration will be temporarily located in the training complex during this time.”
Key works include:
n Disabled bathroom facilities;
n New lighting and airconditioning;
n Installation of water-tight seals and insulation throughout the building.
n New roof cladding and ceiling sheeting; and
n Restoration of damaged mortar.
Shire mayor Bob Penny said although the building would not look radically different, it would be more functional and environmentally efficient.
“The terminal refurbishment works are rewarding for council as they allow us to revitalise and improve a landmark building and ensure its long-term future for the community,” Cr Penny said.
“No major works have occurred to the terminal since 1992 and the majority of the building’s structure has been untouched since it was first built in 1980.”
The terminal improvements were one of the major projects identified when the council adopted the Hamilton Airport Master Plan in March 2011.
Council has already completed over $500,000 worth of works to the Hamilton Airport, with another $2.3 million planned, including expansion of the apron and taxiways, replacing existing runway lights and extending the main runway.