Manchester Airport opens terminal extension following £1bn upgrade

Laing O’Rourke completed work on the £1bn upgrade of Manchester Airport this Spring.

The project included a terminal extension, new car park, redesigned airfield and bussing lounge.

Laing O’Rourke acted as main construction partner with Arcadis and Jacobs supporting as programme managers and design consultants. Airfield works were led by Galliford Try and Pascall + Watson acted as lead architect on the programme of work.

The upgrade lasted four years, with the completion of the airport’s terminal  two extension now open to the public.

More than 8,000t of steel have been used to create the new terminal extension, which covers 81,000m².

Manchester Airport managing director Karen Smart said: “The Manchester Airport Transformation Programme is the most ambitious expansion project in the history of our airport, and we are very grateful for the hard work, dedication and ingenuity our partners have shown in helping to bring it to fruition.

“We are immensely proud that our vision for this project has been delivered despite myriad obstacles faced, from Brexit uncertainty to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We have created a legacy, not only for travellers across the North, who now have access to a world-class facility providing global connectivity, but also for our region.

“More than 1,500 jobs have been created, including 150 apprenticeships, and tens of millions of pounds have been spent in the regional supply chain. We are also immensely proud to be created an AeroZone education facility as part of the project, which will inspire young people for years to come about a career in aviation.”

Laing O’Rourke’s remit included around £600M of works, which in addition to overseeing the extension of Terminal Two by 150% of capacity, also involved the construction of a new aircraft pier, multi-storey car park, outbound baggage hall and all associated external works.

Laing O’Rourke project director Gareth Jacques added: “We’re delighted to see the new Terminal Two open at Manchester Airport. Laing O’Rourke is proud to have played a role in its construction, and created a world-class piece of infrastructure that will bring significant economic benefit to the North.

“Constructing a high-quality, modern airport for 30M passengers required detailed planning so close collaboration with our supply chain and design partners was key. By harnessing our experience of digital engineering, modern methods of construction and creating an effective work environment with our engaged workforce, we were able to deliver the programme on time and within budget.”

Galliford Try managed the extension of the airfield’s west apron, including construction of new taxiways and aircraft stands, along with other works to prepare the extended airfield for use such as stand reconfigurations, ground lighting, drainage, communication networks, security fencing and aircraft control systems.

Their work saw 80,000m² of new taxiway and apron created, 40,000m³ of concrete poured and sixteen miles of cabling installed.

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