Port Hedland International Airport Redevelopment

The Port Hedland International Airport upgrade project encompassed both essential services and infrastructure upgrades and relocation, as well as the refurbishment and expansion of the existing terminal building.

During the ECI phase of the project, ADCO tested the proposed construction methodology and logistics against the airport management plans and aviation requirements, providing advice about buildability, cyclonic region D considerations and assisting with investigation of the existing built elements and services.

The site infrastructure upgrade, centred in the services compound and plant shed on the north-eastern side of the site, houses the fire pumps and tanks, potable water tanks and sewer leach drain facility. These upgraded systems replace the existing site services that allows a new car park configuration, and the new car hire facilities and coach parking have been re-purposed.
The terminal works included a new extension to facilitate the relocation of the current check-in and security screening areas, further assisting the expansion of existing baggage handling facilities. Rammed earth at the passenger terminal entrance guides visitors to an upgraded check-in area. New tiled floors promote integration of the extension to the existing building which further enhances with vaulted ceiling treatments.

Great attention was given to the café/restaurant tenancy and the terminal amenities that include new restroom facilities to the landside area, and upgrades to the existing airside amenities.
Working in a live environment with stringent operational and safety requirements was a challenge ADCO embraced, ensuring CASA, aviation guidelines and HSE best practices were implemented by mirroring the PHIA management plans, and prioritising airport passenger movements throughout all stages of construction.

The Port Hedland International Airport is the 2024 MBA WA Winner for the Best Public Use Building $20m – $50m, Kimberley Pilbara.