Storm-damaged airport roof fix to cost £6.1m

BBC The terminal building covered in scaffolding during construction at Guernsey Airport, with an empty road and bus stop in the foreground under a grey sky.BBC
Scaffolding was put up to protect roof panels

A government has been asked to approve up to £6.1m to fix an airport terminal roof.

Scaffolding at Guernsey Airport was put up as a safety measure after the roof was damaged in high winds.

The States of Guernsey said the States' Trading Supervisory Board had asked the Policy and Resources Committee to agree to fund the project.

The most recent damage happened in November 2023 when Storm Ciarán brought torrential rain and 70mph (112km/h) gusts to the island, dislodging several roof panels that fell on to the airside apron.

The government said the scaffolding enabled a detailed inspection to assess the extent of repairs required.

Deputy Mark Helyar, the States' Trading Supervisory Board president, said: "We are dealing now with an issue that we inherited, because the root cause of the problem dates back decades.

"Given the airport is a prime business and travel gateway, we need to address the structural issues with the roof as soon as possible, so that it is safe to remove the scaffolding," he added.

The States' Trading Supervisory Board said it was seeking approval to carry out "extensive structural repairs", which could take up to 18 months to complete.

If approved, potential contractors would be invited to submit tenders to carry out the work.

The States said the roof structure was "relatively complex due to its curved design".

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