With just over six months to go until Manchester Airport unveils its new ‘super terminal’ as part of its £1 billion transformation programme, the airport has revealed images showcasing the progress that’s been made.
With £688 million spent so far on the project, Andrew Cowan, CEO of Manchester Airport commented: “Our transformation will allow us to continue playing our role as the UK’s global gateway in the North, offering our 29.4 million annual passengers and the entire region a world class airport, connecting them to a wealth of vital economic and tourist hubs.”
New features include a honeycomb light installation with 16 million settings that will change colours depending on the time of day. An 83 sq.m digital screen will take centre stage in the extension to provide entertainment and information to passengers, while children will enjoy the new play area.
A variety of new shops will also be featured in the new terminal with Bury-based JD Sports opening its largest ever airport store in the UK at the UK’s third largest hub.
Passengers with accessibility requirements have been consulted throughout the development and build of the terminal. Jack Thomas from the airport’s Passenger User Group commented: “Manchester Airport’s historic investment will deliver a step change in the passenger experience and create an environment befitting of its status as the North’s main global gateway.”
In addition the completed terminal will achieve BREEAM status of very good for its sustainability credentials.
The first phase of the terminal extension is set to open in 2020. To help ease passenger flow a new security hall, departure lounge, immigration hall, arrivals hall and new bus gate lounge will also open to passengers.
Once up and running, further facilities will start operating during the rest of 2020, including the first of the new ‘island’ check-in desk banks and the new baggage reclaim areas. With the new extension open parts of the existing Terminal Two will start to close to allow for that area to be reconfigured to align with the new facilities.
Once complete in 2022, the reconfigured Terminal Two will be 150% bigger than the current building. The remaining terminal and airfield infrastructure is due to open in 2024.
Describing the transformation project as a “complex, sizeable and logistically challenging project,” Gareth Jacques, Laing O’Rourke’s project director added the construction firm was proud to be delivering as the main contractor.
“We have made great progress since the first spade hit the ground in July 2017. We have seen the handover of Pier One and its link bridge, both of which were operational in April this year along with the multi-storey car park. the Laing O’Rourke project team are approaching handover to MAG and we are working hard with our specialist supply chain to ensure everything is finished in style.”
