Airways New Zealand has received consent for the construction of a new air traffic control (ATC) tower at the Wellington International Airport.
Designed by Studio Pacific, the proposed 32m high tower would lean into the prevailing northerly wind at an angle of 12.5°, and will provide the airport’s air traffic controllers with 360° views from the lookout area on the top floor.
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The nine-storey tower will be located at the Wellington Airport retail shopping centre on Tirangi Road, Lyall Bay and will replace the existing control tower of New Zealand’s air navigation service provider Airways.
According to the consent hearing commissioner Lindsay Daysh, the necessity for a new tower had been established, and the tower had a modern and high quality design reflective of its context while also referencing the windy Wellington.
Airways New Zealand chief operating officer Pauline Lamb said: "This will enable us to progress with the project as planned and in line with our investment programme.
"Our controllers will have a good view of the airfield from this new site, which is positioned to maximise efficient operations now and into the future. We’re looking forward to getting the tower built and up and running."
The tower has been designed by Studio Pacific in partnership with Napiers-based Paris Magdelinos Architects, who have also designed the new ATC tower at Christchurch Airport.
Image: The 32m high tower will be constructed at the Wellington Airport retail shopping centre on Tirangi Road. Photo: courtesy of Studio of Pacific Architecture.
