Architectural and Engineering Consultants appointed to design expanded terminal

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (13 January, 2015) The Cayman Islands Central Tenders Committee (CTC) has awarded the contract to provide Design and Construction Cost Consultancy Services for the expansion of the terminal buildings at the Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA) to a Florida based firm.

The RS&H Group of Jacksonville, Florida won the bid to provide architectural and engineering consultancy services to the Cayman Islands Airport Authority (CIAA) after an open tendering process which included a prequalification stage in which nine proponents vied for prequalification to tender. Four companies were subsequently prequalified and after a rigorous assessment process by the CIAA, the RS&H group was identified as the best value provider. While working on the airport redevelopment project, RS&H will engage the services of local companies AMR Consulting Engineers, JEC Quantity Surveyors and Chalmers Gibbs Architects, to provide relevant local knowledge and experience.

The contract award represents another major step forward in the Airport Authority’s plans to deliver a modern and attractive facility that will meet the Islands current and future travel needs, and provide a better travel experience for both visitors and residents.

Commenting on the appointment, Hon. Moses Kirkconnell, Minister for Tourism stated that due to the critical need for the airport’s expansion, the timelines for design and construction are aggressive and he was very pleased with the steady progress being made. “Throughout 2014 our Islands consistently registered record breaking arrivals and projections for the winter season anticipate a continuation of this upward trend. Consequently, the transformation of ORIA into a modern facility that can deliver a higher level of service, efficiency and comfort to the travelling public remains a top priority. I am therefore pleased that plans to provide more space and improved amenities are moving forward on schedule,” he said.

Representatives from RS&H are currently on Island and it is envisioned that the concept design, design development and issuance of tender documents will take place within the first six months of 2015. The Tender award and subsequent construction are expected to commence during the summer (2015). Construction will be phased, generally following the proposals contained in the master plans prepared as part of the Outline Business Case by consultants WS&P. In broad terms, the multi-phased redevelopment project consists of the overall expansion of the airport’s footprint and major renovations to the existing arrivals and departures areas to improve passenger flow and enhance the travel experience.

“Given the scope and complexity of the airport expansion project which by necessity must continue operating while construction is ongoing, I welcome the addition of RS&H to the project,” stated Airports Authority CEO, Albert Anderson. “They bring a breadth of knowledge and experience from their respective areas of expertise and we look forward to working with them in the delivery of an airport facility our community can take pride in.”

RS&H’s project portfolio includes the George Bush Intercontinental airport in Houston, Texas, as well as Duluth, Los Angeles, Rochester, Indianapolis and the Newport News/Williamsburg international airports. The company has 36 offices across the USA and its Executive team collectively have more than a hundred years of experience.

RS&H provides fully integrated architecture, engineering, and consulting services to help clients realize their most complex facility and infrastructure projects for land, air, and space. The firm is consistently ranked among the top 100 design firms in the USA and they have worked in over 50 countries across the globe.

With a tradition that began in 1941, RS&H has helped pioneers build the launch platforms for the national space program, create global airports that connect communities, shape progressive highway systems across the country, and provide facilities for Fortune 1000 companies. Their long history of market-based, specialized experience includes clients in the Aerospace, Aviation, Corporate, Defense, Health & Science and Transportation industries.

For more information about RS&H please visit: http://www.rsandh.com
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