The government of Gibraltar has announced plans for the expansion and upgrade of the territory's Cruise Terminal, tax-news reports.
The plans are aimed at allowing Gibraltar to handle larger ships that call at the Rock, and the increasing number of passengers these vessels carry.
According to the government, the first phase of the project is the demolition of an adjacent building, which will free up an area of 800 square meters for expansion. The new 2,000 square meter facility will then be completely refurbished, while important technical remedial works to the building structure will be also be carried out.
The new Terminal will feature an expanded Arrivals Hall with seating, an information screen and counter space for the Gibraltar Tourist Board among other entities. Security and Immigration control facilities are to be doubled with the creation of distinct channels to individually serve cruise ships docked on both sides of the Terminal.
Welcoming the plans, Gibraltar Deputy Chief Minister, Joe Holliday commented:
“The Cruise Terminal is a major entry point for visitors to Gibraltar and has handled around 2,500 cruise ship calls and 3 million passengers since it opened on July 17, 1997. It has served Gibraltar extremely well over the years and has received considerable praise for its attractive and welcoming ambience. Its quality has also been recognised by the award of a number of international accolades, including that of Most Efficient Terminal Operator, awarded by Dreamworld Cruise Destinations in 2003 and again in 2008."
"However, the increasing average number of passengers per ship has risen 85%, from 976 in 1996 to 1,807 in 2012. This means that over a 15-year period, [passenger traffic has] doubled in size and the Cruise Terminal is being refurbished and extended to be able to handle these vessels more efficiently and provide a more contemporary look and feel.”
The plans are aimed at allowing Gibraltar to handle larger ships that call at the Rock, and the increasing number of passengers these vessels carry.
According to the government, the first phase of the project is the demolition of an adjacent building, which will free up an area of 800 square meters for expansion. The new 2,000 square meter facility will then be completely refurbished, while important technical remedial works to the building structure will be also be carried out.
The new Terminal will feature an expanded Arrivals Hall with seating, an information screen and counter space for the Gibraltar Tourist Board among other entities. Security and Immigration control facilities are to be doubled with the creation of distinct channels to individually serve cruise ships docked on both sides of the Terminal.
Welcoming the plans, Gibraltar Deputy Chief Minister, Joe Holliday commented:
“The Cruise Terminal is a major entry point for visitors to Gibraltar and has handled around 2,500 cruise ship calls and 3 million passengers since it opened on July 17, 1997. It has served Gibraltar extremely well over the years and has received considerable praise for its attractive and welcoming ambience. Its quality has also been recognised by the award of a number of international accolades, including that of Most Efficient Terminal Operator, awarded by Dreamworld Cruise Destinations in 2003 and again in 2008."
"However, the increasing average number of passengers per ship has risen 85%, from 976 in 1996 to 1,807 in 2012. This means that over a 15-year period, [passenger traffic has] doubled in size and the Cruise Terminal is being refurbished and extended to be able to handle these vessels more efficiently and provide a more contemporary look and feel.”