MEL Dom. lounges refurb Completed October 2018

[levelnine]

That looks like a tremendously sad lounge compared to the old lounge that was brimming with wonderful natural light and terrific tarmac views. To think that OWS/QFF SG members are going to be stuck with this dungeon for the next 10+ years. A major downgrade.

 

[moa999]

It's stage 1 and nowhere near the size of the finished lounge

 

[DavidFlynn]

On size: stage 1 makes this just shy of two-thirds of final space (probably closer to 60%).

 

[opusman]

Even when finished the only windows will be into the terminal, not outside.

 

[Ansett]

Even when finished the only windows will be into the terminal, not outside.

No when finished it will include the current business lounge which has windows out the runway and general apron.

 

[levelnine]

No when finished it will include the current business lounge which has windows out the runway and general apron.

The Qantas Club will have no outside views, which is presumably what opusman was talking about.

 

[kermatu]

Funnily enough I always go to the dungeon part of the J lounge in MEL as there’s no passing traffic but close to food and bar. For my usual short visits this wins for me over natural light and tarmac views.

The MEL J lounge has been too small and crowded now for some time. No surprise it will get a bigger space, and it should have the premium location.

 

[DavidFlynn]

No when finished it will include the current business lounge which has windows out the runway and general apron.

Nope.. part of the Qantas Club will wrap around into part of the business lounge but only roughly to the servery area - this ‘dogleg’ extension will stop short of the windows - the new business lounge will run all way along the window-side section of the lounge precinct.

 

[Ansett]

The Qantas Club will have no outside views, which is presumably what opusman was talking about.

Stage 3 of the lounge development will see what is now the J lounge added updated and the become a part of the Qantas Club Lounge and this will mean Windows,,,,,,,,,

 

[opusman]

Stage 3 of the lounge development will see what is now the J lounge added updated and the become a part of the Qantas Club Lounge and this will mean Windows,,,,,,,,,

Nope. Windows into the terminal only.

 

[DavidFlynn]

Stage 3 of the lounge development will see what is now the J lounge added updated and the become a part of the Qantas Club Lounge and this will mean Windows,,,,,,,,,

Only part of the lounge, and not the part with windows. I’ve had the briefing and long before that I saw the floorplan (remember, we broke the story.)

 

[Matt_01]

Only part of the lounge, and not the part with windows. I’ve had the briefing and long before that I saw the plans (Remember, we broke the story.)

So what does stage 3 look like, I am just a bit confused. I am not privy to the plans but from what saw today I would have thought that the area that has been the QP over past few months will now the the J lounge or will stage 3 also include an extension of the new J lounge and QP. I was not flying QF today but was interested taking a look so just went in for a quick look. I did not pay attention to the location of the bathrooms or catering facilities however I would assume that these are in a common area (hidden and shared between J and QP) so that all plumbing etc is in a common location.

I like the look of the new lounge and get that it is still being renovated however the new entrance area (old exit area) seems to be narrower than what there before.

 

[DavidFlynn]

Stage 1 is what we have now: around 60% of Qantas Club.

Now we're in Stage 2 (literally, starting from yesterday!) where the focus shifts to the business lounge: the old reception area is walled off, the big desk moved out and some seating moved in, while the old Qantas Club is cordoned off completely and work begins to transform this in to the new business lounge, to open end of September.

Stage 3 (and this by memory, don't have plans in front of me) will see the current business lounge halved, the bit near the windows converted into new-look business lounge and opens as an extension to Stage 2; while the other bit becomes that dogleg extension to the Qantas Club and windows into the terminal are also added (currently this area is behind a hoarding wall, there's about 2m of space there). There's other finishing-up work, too. All this will be completed by November, then it's onto the Sydney international business lounge.

 

[Pushka]

No when finished it will include the current business lounge which has windows out the runway and general apron.

I understood those windows won’t be part of the QP but will form the larger J lounge.

 

[Ansett]

I should know better and never listen to Lounge staff/ LOL.

I stand corrected and agree its a shame no outward looking windows bringing natural light in to the QP.

 

[DavidFlynn]

Just checked the plans I have and yes, the Qantas Club extension will roughly go up tio where the current business lounge's servery ends – the areas beyond that, to the windows (which are currently business lounge seating) remain in the domain of the J lounge, with the J lavs behind the QC dogleg, then you get the dining area and bar in the middle of this stretch, then more seating which essentially mirrors the previous window-facing areas.

 

[bullerdude]

Took a look today, I think it nice but at 4pm it was pretty crowded. Seating space seemed to be a a premium. Add people and the lounge seems much smaller than in the pre opening photos on ausbt. Lack of windows is very noticeable.

View attachment 127754

Quite a dreary looking space

 

[NZ_Flyer]

Walked past the new QC just now on way to J lounge (Sat arvo) and it’s packed and that’s no guests allowed. Seems like it could be mayhem peak times until the remainder of the QC is opened.

 

[Strategic Aviation]

Is it worse than during the first stage of works?

 

[Daver6]

Walked through on the way to the J lounge yesterday. Didn't like it. Looked like Ikea furniture and the usual lack of power points.