PLANS to breathe new life into an “iconic” piece of aviation history at Jersey Airport have been welcomed by a campaign group.
The chairman of Save Jersey’s Heritage, Christopher Scholefield, said Ports of Jersey’s planned renovations to the 1937 arrivals terminal were “an important step in the rejuvenation of a building much loved by Islanders”.
His comments followed a recent announcement by Ports, that a planning application had been submitted for remedial works to make the listed building wind and water-tight, as well as to remove asbestos and defunct mechanical and electrical services.
Ports has said the project represents a “key element” in broader development plans for the Airport.
Welcoming the news, Save Jersey’s Heritage described the terminal as “an important part of the British Isles’ pre-war aviation architecture”.
The campaign group said that a recent feasibility study, commissioned jointly with Ports and undertaken by Avanti Architects, showed how the 1937 terminal could be “sympathetically repaired”.
Reacting to the recent announcement, Mr Scholefield said: “This is an important step in the rejuvenation of a building much loved by Islanders and which deserves to be considered afresh by those who have lost sight of its appeal.”
He added that the “iconic building” should be carefully restored by architects used to handling 1930’s architecture.
“Special skills will be needed to ensure that original features are retained and made evident so that the spirit of this remarkably ambitious building shines through,” Mr Scholefield continued.
“Remarkably, this building has been doing what it was designed to do for 88 years.
“Thanks to the work of Ports of Jersey, arriving passengers will soon be able to see the 1937 terminal as it really was – a crisp and engaging, architectural gem.”
