A GROWTH in demand for more retail space at Durham Tees Valley Airport has led to the availability of retail units in the main passenger terminal.

The airport, formerly known as Teesside International, is expected to expand next year as it prepares to cater for an expected 2.5 million customers who live within an hour's drive.

The airport's commercial property department has made available a range of retail units in the terminal, for convenience store operators or pharmacists.

The move follows the imminent announcement of planning permission for a multi-million pound terminal building, which will also offer retail space, open as early as 2006 subject to passenger growth.

Retailers who take space in the existing terminal will be the first to be offered the chance to move to a prime position in the new terminal.

Mandy Moston, Durham Tees Valley Airport property manager, said that considerable interest had already been shown in the new retail units by a number of potential tenants.

She said: "With impressive customer numbers and exciting expansion plans, the airport offers ambitious operators some tremendous retail opportunities over the next few years.

"We are able to work in partnership with tenants to develop an eye-catching shop that will definitely deliver a return on their investment."

Earlier this year, the airport re-branded as part of a three-year, multi-million pound redevelopment plan.

Published: 14/12/2004