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Work has begun on a £4 million redevelopment of Jersey Airport's departure lounge, with £1.6 million coming from taxation. What are you getting for that money?

The project, which will be completed in stages over the next four months, includes a bigger duty-free shop, three new shops and an upgrade to the restaurant.

Senator Alan Maclean

It's hoped redeveloping the departure lounge will leave visitors with a good lasting impression of the island.

Jersey's Economic Development Minister, Senator Alan Maclean, says if you don't have modern passenger facilities you run the risk of looking like a second-rate destination.

"I think you've got to keep modernising with the business, you've got to keep moving forward. If you don't you run the risk of being deemed a second rate destination.

"As far as Jersey is concerned we don't want to take those sort of risks. There are a number of reasons underpinning the success and the reasoning and rational behind this decision."

Senator Maclean went on to explain that extra money generated by redeveloping the departure area at Jersey Airport could help keep passenger charges down.

He told us: "We're delighted that both WH Smith and others have shown the confidence not only in Jersey but it Jersey airport to put a significant investment in here.

"It's very important for Jersey, it is very important for Jersey airport because it allows us to keep our passenger charges down by generating additional revenues from non aeronautical sources."

Senator Maclean explained more about the development, he said: "It's a fairly major redevelopment of the facilities here, it has been made possible since the relocation in 2007 of the security facilities.

"It has opened up approximately 50% more space which can now be used to enlarge the current retail facilities and add additional ones.

"Which we believe will be to the benefit of the airport in terms of increased revenues and also the experience of departing leisure and business travellers."