Arrangements are now being made to finalise the date when Government and the United Kingdom based company contracted to design and upgrade the Virgin Gorda airport, Halcrow Group Limited, will meet with residents to provide a progress report.

Sometime this month a public the meeting will be held, the Premier Ralph T. O’Neal confirmed recently at a press conference, with the view to keep residents abreast with the developments.

“Since our last meeting on the sister island on July 17, work has been progressing according to schedule. Two of the mandatory surveys have already been completed and the third is scheduled to be completed in early October. The data is currently being compiled and Government will be provided with a report in the near future,” the Premier disclosed.

According to him, the studies will provide landmark and landscape information as well as information on marine and eco-systems, ocean currents, underwater depth and the contour of ocean floors.

These factors, the Premier acknowledged, will be taken into consideration when the Airport is being designed to ensure that there’s no negative effect on the environment. “As you are well aware, it is important to ensure that whatever development we pursue is in fact sustainable and not likely to create more problems than provide benefits.”

And once the surveys have been completed and the reports drafted, the project will move into the design phase, whereby Cabinet will be asked to review and approve the design before actual work begins, Premier O’Neal disclosed.

Over the years, residents of Virgin Gorda have been extremely vocal about getting a modernised airport, and led by a passionate group “Save The Virgin Gorda Airport” – they have pinpointed the advantages of having such a facility. Some of the reasons expressed include maintaining the high-end tourism business; providing a medical evacuation facility; maintaining the convenience of service for residents and maintaining a backup air transport facility in the event of an emergency affecting Beef Island.

How much will VG airport cost?

According to a press release issued by “Save The Virgin Gorda Airport” group, the 1999 Halcrow report valued the airport at around $ 1.5 million, and among other things, that the new airport will be constructed according to international standards and will have the capacity to accommodate 19-seater aircrafts.

The airstrip on Virgin Gorda was built between 1963 and 1964 by the owners of Little Dix Bay Hotel who owned and operated the facility as a private entity up until the late 1990s when Government entered negotiations to purchase the airport. It was later transferred under the management of the BVI Airports Authority.

Halcrow Group Ltd. was first engaged by Government between 1999 and 2003 to conduct a feasibility study for improving the aerodrome.

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