A new website dedicated to Christchurch International Airport Ltd’s (CIAL) proposal for an international airport at Tarras indicates the project would take at least nine years to implement.

The site describes the airport proposal and provides some information about processes and timeframes, promising a “new approach” to planning and engagement with the community.

CIAL revealed plans in July 2020 to develop a jet-capable airport on 750ha of land at Tarras, after the company had spent $45M purchasing land bordered by State Highway 8 and 8A.

CIAL chief executive Malcolm Johns said the plan was to start with a 2.2 kilometre, jet capable runway.

“Building from scratch would enable us to design and build one of the world’s most sustainable airports. Our plan is to build in modules so we can start small and grow to meet any future need,” he said. 

The website describes the proposal as a long-term project with “no fixed date for opening”.

Christchurch Airport has estimated at least nine years of planning and construction for the project.

“At this stage, we estimate it’s likely to take around three years to plan and explore the feasibility of the airport, another three years to get the required approvals, and around three years to construct it,” the website states.

The approvals include planning approvals for the change of land use, all air, water, noise and building consents as well as aeronautical approvals to commence operations.

The website says “Like gold mining, the Clyde Dam, agriculture and viticulture, this project would create change in Central Otago”, going on to say the proposed airport “would deliver economic and social benefits to multiple regions of the South Island”. 

CIAL also recognises the proposal “will impact some who call Tarras home so we have made respectfully engaging with the local community a priority”.

“Engaging other key stakeholders and communities is also important so we can design the project to create as much opportunity as possible.”

There are no details provided on specific engagement opportunities at this stage.

Find the website here.

PHOTOS: Supplied