Major construction of the Qantas Founders Museum’s ambitious Airpark Roof Project is taking off in Longreach.

The development of the Airpark Roof, which has been designed by Noel Robinson Architects and Northrop Consulting Engineers, is part of the first stage of the museum’s Luminescent Longreach Project, to deliver a unique sound and light experience for visitors.

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“We have been planning and working on the Lumiescent Longreach Project for over two years and it is wonderful to see this project underway,” Qantas Founders Museum CEO Tony Martin said in April, when the installation of the structure’s footings had commenced.

“The Luminescent Longreach Project will have a substantial impact on our museum, visitors, community and displays – we cannot wait to see it completed.”

Stage One centres around the construction of the roof structure, which will span an area of 8072m2 and is designed to cover, and protect, the museum’s aircraft.

It will also see the construction of footpaths, fencing and lighting for night tours.

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The second stage will include the development of a state-of-the-art light and sound show, and the creation of a viewing platform and lift.

The airpark site was officially handed over to building contractors Watpac in early September, and over the coming months the Buchan Group will work with the Qantas Founders Museum to create the sound and light show.

The Airpark Roof Project is expected to be completed by April 2020, with visitors to the site expected to jump by 24 per cent by 2021.