BUILDING work will start on a new £3million control tower at Southend Airport this month.

It will replace the site’s existing tower, which was built in the 1960s and appeared in a scene in James Bond film ‘Goldfinger’ in 1964.

Essex-based firm Readie Construction has been given the contract to carry out the work, while avionic installation and commissioning will be carried out by Systems Interface Ltd.

Alastair Welch, managing director of Southend Airport, explained that the current tower gave restricted views across the airfield but could not confirm whether it would be demolished.

Mr Welch said: “I’m especially delighted that its construction will be carried out by an essentially, local firm. [By which he means a company based in Romford - hardly that local.]

“This goes to prove that the airport development will create local jobs and play a major part in helping to regenerate the area. [If you think that short-term building contracts going to companies outside the area will regenerate the area.]

“We haven’t made a decision about the current tower but it will not be used. The new tower will allow us to have a full view of the airport.”

The construction of the control tower will begin at the end of this month, while work on the new £12million railway station is already underway.

The station is due to open in mid-2010 and will provide a regular service into London Liverpool Street Station.

Southend Council is also making a decision to extend the airport’s runway at the Development Control Committee on Thursday, January 14.