A new single-storey passenger terminal and associated landside infrastructure within a live operational airport environment.
Shellharbour Airport Redevelopment
Shellharbour Airport serves as a critical regional gateway for the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands. Council sought to modernise passenger facilities to support Regular Public Transport services while maintaining safe and uninterrupted airport operations. A terminal concept had been submitted for approval prior to RCP’s engagement.
RCP worked with the consultant team to reposition the design to an ICAO-aligned terminal configuration that improved passenger flow, provided clear separation of arrivals and departures, and enabled future expansion and security screening capability within defined budget constraints.
RCP provided full project management services from initiation through to completion for the Shellharbour Airport Redevelopment, delivering a new single-storey passenger terminal and associated landside infrastructure within a live operational airport environment.
Completed in 2021, the $7.8 million project comprised construction of a 1,153sqm terminal building with provision for retail and café tenancies, reconfiguration and resurfacing of short- and medium-term car parks, and construction of a new long-term car park. The redevelopment forms part of Shellharbour City Council’s broader airport upgrade program supporting long-term regional connectivity and economic growth.
RCP managed design coordination, revisions to the approved development application, consultant engagement, procurement and construction delivery to achieve completion within programme and budget.
The project was delivered within an active airport operating environment, requiring aviation activities and access for other airport users to be maintained throughout construction. RCP developed and implemented an interface management plan to mitigate risks between construction works and day-to-day operations. Budget limitations required the rationalisation of the original terminal footprint, balancing immediate functionality with long-term adaptability. Careful planning was also required to ensure the terminal remained fully occupiable despite changes to security requirements and future screening provisions.
The project’s success would not have been possible without the engagement of RCP’s and their design principles and initiatives that were identified and adopted prior to and throughout the construction build.
