Opera House contractor chosen for Jersey Airport redevelopment

Thursday, 19 February 2026 07:00

The construction firm that led the £13 million transformation of Jersey Opera House has been appointed to redevelop the airport's departures lounge.

Ashbe Construction Limited will undertake the £10 million refurbishment of the 30-year-old waiting hall, which will feature a mezzanine, new restaurants and bars, a Genuine Jersey shop, and a children's play area.

Ben Cairney, Managing Director of Ashbe, says we are proud to have been selected for this landmark project.

"As a local firm, it means a great deal to play a leading role in enhancing the island’s main gateway.

"We look forward to working collaboratively with Ports of Jersey and our local supply chain partners to deliver a departures lounge that the whole Island can be proud of."

READ: Jersey Opera House 'ready' for Liberation Day reopening

The newly-refurbished Jersey Opera House

Three leading local firms were shortlisted during the procurement process.

Ports of Jersey said it was a 'key priority' that its investment remained in the local economy and supported local businesses, jobs and skills development.

The concept for the new departures lounge is to 'create a space that emulates Jersey' by incorporating details including a Martello Tower, artwork of local landmarks, lots of granite, and seagull sculptures hanging from the ceiling.

READ: Jersey Airport departures lounge set for 'big' transformation

Matt Thomas, CEO of Ports of Jersey, says this is a hugely exciting step forward in Ports' plans to transform the island gateway:

"It was important to us that this significant investment should support the local economy, and Ashbe’s appointment ensures that both the construction value and the wider economic benefits remain in the Island.

"Importantly, this project will be funded through Ports of Jersey’s own revenue, not taxpayers’ money, demonstrating our commitment to reinvesting in the infrastructure that supports the Island’s connectivity and growth.

"It is about far more than aesthetics – it will modernise infrastructure that has been in place since 1997 while creating a place for all of our passengers to relax before they fly.”

Work on the first phase of the upgrade has already begun, with passengers being temporarily rerouted to the gates.

READ: Passengers rerouted through Jersey Airport departures