Christchurch Airport is planning to add more retail spaces and new eateries as part of its major terminal upgrade ahead of this year’s summer.

The revamped terminal will house 12 new eateries, new retail spaces, upgraded bathrooms, a new parent’s room, a remodelled food court and a large children’s play area.

The airport has formed a partnership with food and beverage group SSP on this occasion. As part of the deal, which marks SSP’s first entry into New Zealand, the group will operate seven outlets, including a bar and restaurant named Portal, new cafes Fern and Co and Urban Pantry, and an all-day coffee shop called Discovered.

In addition, two of the new eateries – Fush and Tatou – will be operated by Otautahi entrepreneurs Anton and Jess Matthews and Maia Gooday.

Christchurch business people Shawn Kim and Yong Song will deliver three new outlets selling Japanese and Korean dishes in the food court, namely Hikari, Mama’s Kitchen and a new version of Sushi Platter.

Airport CEO Justin Watson says it’s the first major upgrade since the terminal opened in 2013. The upgrade is expected to be completed by December to welcome visitors this summer.

“Last summer season (from November to March) we had 2.7 million passenger movements at Christchurch Airport. 

“We’re on track to top that next summer season and it’s awesome to know the terminal will be refreshed and ready to welcome our visitors with some of our best manaakitanga and offerings yet,” added Watson.