Eight months after the opening of a controversial multi-faith space, plans have been announced for new areas specifically designed for religious groups at an airport.
Critics said Bristol Airport’s facility, a mile from the terminal, looked like a bus stop and questioned its location in a car park.
A spokesman for the airport confirmed that they had now consulted with military chaplains on the design of future permanent facilities.
Afzal Shah, a member of the Muslim community, said he would not use the current area and hoped the airport would “implement user feedback.”
The multi-religious region sparked an online backlash after the airport announced its opening on social media in November.
Thousands of people from all over the world commented on the post. Many said it reminded them of a bus stop or a smoking shelter.
Mr Shah, a former member of Bristol City Council, said: ‘We often talk about Bristol as this diverse place and how to make it as accessible as possible and I wonder what consultations have been carried out to make this a reality.
“The entire design process of an airport and other transport hubs should be geared towards taking its users into account.
“Why did the airport even think this area was necessary?” he asked. “Anyone who has been there and seen it can draw their own conclusions.”
Peter Bill, a member of the Progressive Jewish Community, said the idea of a multi-faith area could have been “better thought through.”
“The mood and the initial thought were very positive, but when you do it you have to accept that it has to be appropriate.
“How much is this area actually used? Why did the airport feel this area was necessary?”
“Welcomed by users”
Bristol Airport said the space had been “welcomed by users”.
An airport spokesman said: “The multi-faith space has been created for customers to use while waiting at the airport for family and friends in the free waiting zone car park, which is located one mile from the terminal.”
“We are seeing an increase in customers wanting a multi-faith area at this location.
“This space was made available after consultation with car park users to provide immediate protection and dignity before winter.
“We have conducted a user survey since implementation and the feedback has been positive.”
The airport management has consulted with other airport clergy and local community representatives to “prepare a design proposal for future permanent facilities.”
“For customers travelling on holiday, we have created an all-faith quiet area in the terminal departure hall (between the central walkway and Gates 32-34 on the first floor) and we will be creating further designated areas throughout the site,” the spokesperson added.
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