Melbourne Airport's T2 is getting upgraded.
Melbourne Airport has unveiled its vision for the redevelopment of International Terminal 2.

 

Melbourne Airport has unveiled its vision for the redevelopment of International Terminal 2 (T2), including plans to create a laneway-style retail offering that mirrors the city’s vibrant culture.

According to Andrew Gardiner, chief of retail at Melbourne Airport, the redevelopment will better cater for the expected 13 million travellers that will pass through the airport by 2024 and deliver them a world-class shopping and dining experience.

“It’s an exciting time for travellers and retailers alike, with Melbourne Airport’s passenger growth significantly outpacing other Australian airports over the last five years,” he said. “Melbourne is known for its energy, innovation and sophistication, and we look forward to creating an airport retail experience that matches this.”

Four distinct retail precincts will feature in the redevelopment: a laneway-style retail offering inspired by the city’s iconic alleys; luxury shopping; an expanded duty free section; and a gourmet hospitality precinct.

Melbourne Airport T2 redevelopment
The new T2 will feature a gourmet hospitality precinct.

 

“Airports are either the first or last touch point of a traveller’s journey through our great city, so we are striving to deliver an experience that strengthens our customers’ connection to Melbourne and leaves a lasting impression,” added Gardiner.

Customer research conducted by Think Global and Urbis influenced the development of the luxury precinct, as it highlighted the brands that the Airport’s customers expect when travelling, namely authentic luxury goods with strong brand recognition.

An upgrade to the hospitality precinct will provide travellers with a range of options including quick eats, restaurants and bars that reflect the city’s foodie culture, and the Airport will continue to partner with celebrated Melbourne chefs including Shannon Bennett (Vue de monde) and Frank Camorra (MoVida).

Work on T2 is now underway with a staged opening from early 2017. The precinct is expected to be complete in early 2018.