TEESSIDE's newest venue - and arguably one of the region's most quirkiest - has been officially declared open.
The swanky new Sky Bar at Teesside Airport was officially opened last night ahead of it throwing its doors open to the public today.
It comes months after The Northern Echo first revealed the plans to open a new bar along with rooftop viewing platform.
Read more: Inside Teesside Airport's incredible new 'Sky Bar' as it opens to public today
Last night, Councillor Jonathon Dulston, leader of Darlington Borough Council was there to cut the ribbon as it was unveiled.
He was joined by Phil Forster, Managing Director at Teesside Airport, and Julie Gilespie, Chief Executive of the Tees Valley Combined Authority.
Cllr Dulston said: “The opening of the new Skybar, with its warm and welcoming atmosphere and sweeping views of the runway, is the icing on the cake.
"I have no doubt it will become a firm favourite of both passengers and the wider community.”
Cllr Dulston, who recently took to the helm of Darlington Counci from Councillor Heather Scott, said the airport was progressing.
He said: “Since Mayor Houchen brought our airport back into public ownership and saved it from closure it has gone from strength to strength.
"The transformation of the terminal has created a bright, modern, and relaxing airport that is fit for the 21 century and one we can all be proud of."
As it was declared open, Brian Robinson, Chair of Teesside Airport Consultative Committee and Friends of Teesside Airport recalled how he met his wife, Dawn at the airport's former bar five decades ago.
He said: "The terminal is an incredibly special place for us, as our first date was in the airport bar 49 years ago.
"It’s wonderful to see even more of the building being brought back into use and hopefully it will help to make memories for many others for years to come.”
Described as a venue like no other, those who attended the official opening said they were glad to see it come to fruition.
Emma Dixon, who is a trustee director of the recently set up Teesside Airport Foundation, said: "I love it I think it’s amazing."
The Middlesbrough woman said: "It is cice to get something back like this, no other airport has got this facility.
It’s brilliant and there’s lots of businesses in the airport who can also take advantage of - I don’t think I’ve been at an airport with a bar that’s as good as this, and not with views like this."
Ano trustee director, David Chefneux, who is based in Richmond in North Yorkshire, said he hoped the venue would be a success.
He said: "People will come, have a coffee and think 'you know what I’m going to fly out of it.'
Read more: Inside Teesside Airport's incredible new 'Sky Bar' as it opens to public today
"Having this will encourage more and over time that view from the Sky Bar will become an iconic view, showing the industrial skyline and the countryside."
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