Capturing the character of Melbourne:  Airport unveils bold consumer vision for Terminal 2

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“The transformation of T2… will offer travellers a shopping and dining experience on par with leading airports around the world.” – Melbourne Airport Chief of Retail Andrew Gardiner

AUSTRALIA. Melbourne Airport today unveiled its deeply ambitious vision for the re-development of International Terminal 2, pledging to deliver “a vibrant precinct that mirrors the city’s world-renowned shopping, food and beverage and cultural experiences”.

“The transformation of T2 is an important step in Melbourne Airport’s vision to create an airport that Melburnians can be proud of, and will offer travellers a shopping and dining experience on par with leading airports around the world,” said Melbourne Airport Chief of Retail Andrew Gardiner.

“Airports are either the first or last touch point of a traveller’s journey through our great city, so we are striving to deliver an experience that strengthens our customers’ connection to Melbourne and leaves a lasting impression.”

The vision comprises four distinct retail precincts – expansion of the duty free division; the introduction of world-class luxury shopping; a gourmet hospitality precinct; and an “iconic” laneway-style retail offering.

The ‘next-generation’ duty free store (run by Dufry, which recently extended its contract till 2022) will provide travellers with access to a range of global brands and “best-on-offer” deals at both international departures and arrivals, with the retail space expanding by +30%. The new duty free retail space is expected to be completed in Q1 2017.

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(Above and below) These artist’s impressions of the new-look Terminal 2 illustrate the ambition that underpins the project

The luxury precinct development will feature some of the world’s most fashionable and desirable luxury brands, Melbourne Airport said. Extensive customer research conducted by Think Global and Urbis highlighted the quality of brands the airport’s diverse customer mix desires when travelling, including authentic luxury goods with strong brand recognition. The brands housed in the new luxury precinct have been chosen to meet evolving customer demands, the airport company said.

An upgrade to the hospitality precinct will provide travellers with quick eats, restaurants and bars that reflect the city’s affinity with food, including an expanded selection of dining options. It will also strengthen the airport’s relationship with some of the city’s most celebrated chefs, including Shannon Bennett, Frank Camorra and the Angele brothers.

melbourne-airport-t2-vision-2“It’s an exciting time for travellers and retailers alike, with Melbourne Airport’s passenger growth significantly outpacing other Australian airports over the last five years,” Gardiner added.

“Melbourne is known for its energy, innovation and sophistication, and we look forward to creating an airport retail experience that matches this.”

Melbourne Airport said: “The T2 re-development will capture the character of Melbourne in a way that truly showcases the sophisticated essence of the city, continuing the airport’s transformation journey, which started with the successful opening of the new T4 Domestic Terminal in 2015.
melbourne-airport-t2-vision-4“With the aim of becoming the chosen international gateway into Australia, the project will deliver a customer-centric experience to better cater for the expected 13 million people that will travel through the airport by 2024.”

The T2 transformation project is now under way with a staged opening from early 2017. The precinct is expected to be complete in early 2018, with Lend Lease appointed to manage construction and the design concept created by Melbourne based architecture firm, NH Architecture.

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