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Welcome to EDINBURGH – Airport CEO unveils new plaza centre piece to complete EAST expansion

Posted: 21st May 2015

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Edinburgh Airport has unveiled the stunning centre piece of its new plaza and a prime spot for the perfect ‘Edinburgh selfie’. Designed to be a welcoming space for passengers arriving into the airport and those about to fly off, the airport’s new ‘front door’ links the EAST extension directly to the tram stop. It’s also within easy access to the drop-off zone and bus stops. And centre stage is a huge 27m sign proclaiming loud and clear that you are in EDINBURGH. With a 4m tall television screen up and running, the 2000m2 space completes the external elements of airport’s £25 million EAST investment which saw the terminal extension open last year.Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, said: “This area has been a bit of a building site over the last few months, and there are still a few tweaks to be made, but I’m delighted we can finally unveil our new plaza.

“Thousands of people will be travelling through this area so we really wanted to give people a sense of place, creating a pleasant environment where they can relax before carrying on with their journey. “Our teams have been exploring different ideas for what we could use the plaza space for. We’re working on lots of exciting plans, from alfresco dining and coffee shops, to a full-blown art and entertainment venue. ”

Our new sign in particular really makes a bold statement and is the perfect backdrop for both tourists and regular visitors to take a great picture, and of course the perfect selfie.
“Summer is almost here and we looking forward to both passengers and staff using this communal space to relax and enjoy.” Robin Worsnop, Chair of the Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG), said: “The new plaza at Edinburgh Airport is a fantastic space, creating a great sense of arrival for visitors to Edinburgh and it’s exciting to hear the airport’s plans for how the plaza will be used in the future.

“The Airport’s continuing investment is very much welcomed by ETAG as it both reflects and supports the health and growth of Edinburgh’s, and indeed the Scottish, tourism industry.“
Over 475 tonnes of asphalt and 70m3 of concrete were used in the creation of the 2000m2 space which links the tram stop directly into the airport terminal. Letters in the Edinburgh sign range from 450-800kg and were manufactured by local signage company Bailie Designs. Both architect Gross Max and structural engineers TPS are also Edinburgh based.

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