Western Sydney Airport has revealed concepts for the airport’s Visitor Centre, which will give the community the chance to watch the airport come to life right before their eyes.
Western Sydney Airport Chief Executive, Graham Millett, said the Visitor Centre will use digital and augmented reality technologies to give the public an immersive experience.
“We want the public to be a part of the journey and discover the airport’s story, particularly the benefits it will bring to the region in terms of jobs and opportunities,” he said.
“Floor-to-ceiling glass panels will offer a first-class view of the airport construction area.
“Augmented reality will allow visitors to see exactly where the runway and terminals will be built and what they will look like from the vantage point of the Visitor Centre.”
Community and school groups as well as local and international visitors and members of the public will enjoy free access.
“It’s exciting to think that some of the students who experience the Visitor Centre on school excursions will one day be in a job created by the airport,” Mr Millett said.
“Western Sydney Airport will support tens of thousands of jobs in the region, including high-value jobs in sectors such as aviation, defence and medicine.
“We’re doing much more than building an airport, we’re the catalyst for new opportunities in western Sydney, and the Visitor Centre means the community can be a part of it from the start.”
Western Sydney Airport’s local jobs targets mean that at least 30 per cent of jobs generated in construction will go to western Sydney locals, increasing to at least 50 per cent when the airport is fully operational.
Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the visitor centre will be at the heart of the airport throughout construction, offering community members the chance to watch the terminal and runway take shape.
“It will be a cutting edge design, and be built on site to give the community and visitors a real insight as the airport takes shape,” he said.
The contract to design and build the facility in time to open for the community in mid-2019, was awarded to Australian construction firm Watpac.
