Pictures show how Teesside Airport is becoming unrecognisable in major refit

The Northern Echo had an exclusive look at how the multi-million pound refurb is going as old parts of the terminal building are torn down to make way for new facilities.

For the past several weeks, contractors have been working round the clock to completely overhaul the check-in area, security hall, departure lounge and arrivals.

SEE MORE: Ryanair to return to Teesside Airport for 2021 holiday flights

The first major refit of this scale in around two decades, previously unused parts of the building have been opened up in anticipation of a surge in passenger numbers.

From the addition of a new lounge, refurbished business lounge, duty-free shop, cocktail bar, coffee shop and restaurant, work remains "on schedule" to be done in time for the first Ryanair flight.

SEE MORE: Exclusive pictures reveal progress on Teesside Airport's HUGE transformation

Meanwhile, a 24-year-old Stockton woman has become the latest name to sign up to the airport's line-up of retailers, once the work is complete by mid-May.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said the ongoing refurbishment is part of plans to see it become a "top range international" venue.

See it below

Pictures: SARAH CALDECOTT  

The check-in area is in the process of being completely redeveloped, and once complete will see dedicated desks for business, leisure and Ryanair passengers.

The entrance to the terminal previously featured a shop, but will now feature a brand new cafe - The Landside - which will accommodate almost 50 people and open to members of the public. 

A previously blocked off part of the terminal building, Ryanair passengers will have their own check-in area following the introduction of flights to Europe from Teesside.

After clearing security, passengers will walk through a brand-new duty free shop, which is said will feature products from businesses across the Tees Valley.

From there, the duty-free shop will lead onto a brand new restaurant, although the details of that have not yet been released. 

The new restaurant will also feature its own 'overspill' area, which is where WHSmith used to be.

The seating to the bar area will be by the brand new 'Gate 1,' which is being created in anticipation of more passenger flights over the next few years - all remaining gates will be renumbered.

Another formerly closed off part of the terminal building, this area will accommodate two smaller shops - with one already confirmed as a stall selling premium watches.

24-year-old Teri Ellington from Ingleby Barwick, pictured with the Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, will open an Ellington Timepiece stand at the airport.

As part of the transformation, all toilets at the airport are being ripped out and rebuilt to "high standards" - the first time in more than two decades. 

A first look at the new family offering, The Middleton Lounge is set to offer passengers a range of buffet-style food and drink once open.

This lounge joins the existing business lounge, which has also been completely renovated into the premium, The Rockliffe Lounge.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Mr Houchen said: "We’re making huge progress with flights, we’ve got a Bristol flight starting on the 27th May, we’ve got Ryanair starting on the 1st of June, and TUI next year, and there will be more holiday flights to announce in the not too distant future.

"But on top of that when we’re inviting all of these people to come through our fantastic airport, we need to make sure it’s fit for purpose – we’re making new bars, new restaurants, a duty-free and we’ve got local businesses coming into the airport.

"So as all that comes together, when people turn up to the airport, they will see it as a top range international airport - which will then lead to a great momentum, more flights, more destinations and more success for our area."

Mr Houchen added that the airport remains on schedule to have all work complete by mid-May, well in advance for the first Ryanair departure on June 1.

Ms Ellington, 24, founder of Ellington Timepiece, described the opening of her new stall at the airport as exciting as she plans to continue to "get her watches out there."

SEE MORE: Darlington firms among the North-East retailers to stock Teesside Airport

She said: “I’m really happy to be joining Teesside International and getting my watches out there to local people flying out from the airport, but also to national and international visitors.

"We’ve all heard about the buzz surrounding the airport it’s an exciting time to be basing our business here given how it’s growing more and more.

“The House of Zana and Rejoy shop is a great idea for collaboration and to promote our independents and it’s great to be part of the team.”