ORIA redevelopment concept design completed

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (10 March, 2015) The Owen Roberts International Airport’s (ORIA) expansion project is moving full speed ahead, with the completion of the design concept by RS&H Group. RS&H Group won the bid to provide design and construction cost consultancy services to the Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA) and a contract was signed with them back in January 2015.

In creating the new design, RS&H Group wanted to reflect the richness of the country’s growth, achievements and history. Therefore, the inspiration for the design was based on the silhouette of the local Green Sea Turtle, which has a flattened curved body and paddle-like arms well adapted for swimming.

The current existing “A” frame structure at the airport was also taken into consideration since it is a unique feature to ORIA, so the new design maintains the existing “A” frames and incorporates them into a new recognizable architectural symbol. The three “A” frames symbolize the unity between the three islands: Grand Cayman in the center, and the two sister islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman at each side.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, Hon. Moses Kirkconnell commented “I believe the public will be happy with the contemporary design of the new airport expansion which artistically reflects the three Cayman Islands. The airport is our main international gateway and an important economic driver for our country so I am pleased that steady progress continues to be made to increase its operating capacity. I thank everyone involved for their hard work and commitment to this project and look forward to proceeding to the next phase of development.”

CIAA Board Chairman Mr. Kirkland Nixon added, “The board fully supported the Deputy Premier from the outset in addressing the development of the three airports and this is a major step to fulfilling that objective.”

CIAA CEO, Mr. Albert Anderson said he was pleased with the progress that has been made so far and he added, “We are definitely on track with the expansion project, next will be the design development and then we will issue tender documents. The goal is to break ground by the summer of 2015.”

The redevelopment project, which will cost 55 million CI dollars to complete, will include expanding the arrivals and departure areas to help improve the passenger’s overall experience at the airport. The entire project should take around three years to complete and will more than double the capacity of ORIA from 77,000 square feet to 207, 000 square feet.

PHOTOS
1. Air side view of ORIA redevelopment concept design
2. Birdseye view of ORIA redevelopment concept design
3. Landside view of ORIA redevelopment concept design