Birmingham Airport's new duty free

A new duty free area is to open at Birmingham Airport as part of the site's £13million redevelopment.

The 19,300ft World Duty Free store will sit at the heart of the new International Departure Lounge and is expected to open in March.

The store is part of the multi-million-pound "airside" revamp.

There are currently two terminals at the airport but from Spring 2011 all passengers will transfer through a new central area and the two terminals will become one.

The new duty free area will have a shopping mall-style design and feature a number of high-end brands.

World Duty Free spokesman Karen Sharpes it was too early to say if new jobs would be created.

Retail operations director Fred Creighton said: "The plans that Birmingham has for its airport are extremely exciting and we are delighted to be part of these and have the opportunity to create such an impactful and innovative new store.

"We will work in close partnership with the team at Birmingham to develop a store that provides a world class retail experience for its customers and maximises retail revenues for the airport."

Richard Gill, Birmingham Airport's commercial head, believes the store will be a real boost to the airport.

He said: "WDF is the leading travel retailer and the plans for the new tax and duty free store in the redeveloped terminal are visionary and inspirational.

"Together, we have developed a store design that will be a real focal point within the new IDL and bring a whole new level of energy to the airport.

"This will provide an exciting journey for the five million departing passengers who currently leave the airport each year."