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Passengers at Manchester Airport are now able to enjoy the enhanced facilities of the recently extended terminal, marking a significant milestone in the completion of the £1 billion upgrade project. Laing O'Rourke, the main construction partner, successfully concluded the four-year endeavour this Spring, which involved a comprehensive transformation encompassing various elements. These included the expansion of the terminal, the construction of a new car park, the redesigning of the airfield, and the creation of a state-of-the-art bussing lounge. Collaborating closely with Laing O'Rourke, Arcadis and Jacobs provided valuable support as program managers and design consultants, while Galliford Try led the extensive airfield works. Pascall + Watson played a crucial role as the lead architect, ensuring the project's architectural integrity.
The culmination of this ambitious project resulted in the unveiling of the expanded Terminal Two, now accessible to the public. Covering an impressive 81,000 square meters, the new terminal extension stands as a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship involved, with over 8,000 tons of steel utilised in its construction. Expressing deep appreciation, Karen Smart, the managing director of Manchester Airport, acknowledged the unwavering commitment, ingenuity, and effort demonstrated by their partners throughout the development of the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme. Despite facing numerous challenges, such as the uncertainties surrounding Brexit and the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport's vision was ultimately realised.
The completion of this expansive upgrade not only establishes Manchester Airport as a world-class facility, offering superior amenities and global connectivity to travellers in the North but also leaves behind a remarkable legacy for the entire region. Notably, the project has generated over 1,500 new jobs, including 150 apprenticeships, injecting a significant boost into the local economy. Tens of millions of pounds have been invested in the regional supply chain, further reinforcing the project's positive impact. As a notable contribution to the future of aviation, the AeroZone education facility was established as part of the initiative, aiming to inspire and nurture young talents for years to come, encouraging their pursuit of rewarding careers in the field of aviation.
Laing O'Rourke, responsible for approximately £600 million of the project, played a pivotal role in overseeing the expansion of Terminal Two, increasing its capacity by an impressive 150%. In addition to this significant achievement, Laing O'Rourke successfully delivered a range of vital components, including the construction of a new aircraft pier, a multi-storey car park, an outbound baggage hall, and various associated external works. Gareth Jacques, the project director at Laing O'Rourke, expressed immense satisfaction and pride in witnessing the opening of the new Terminal Two. He commended meticulous planning, close collaboration, and seamless integration with the supply chain and design partners, as well as the effective utilisation of digital engineering and modern construction methods. These strategic measures enabled the project to be completed within the designated timeframe and budget, ensuring a successful outcome.
Managing the extension of the airfield's west apron, Galliford Try played a crucial role in preparing the extended airfield for optimal functionality. Their scope of work encompassed the construction of new taxiways, aircraft stands, and the implementation of various essential systems and infrastructure. To support the increased operational requirements, 80,000 square meters of new taxiway and apron were created, accompanied by the pouring of 40,000 cubic meters of concrete. Moreover, the installation of sixteen miles of cabling facilitated vital functionalities such as stand reconfigurations, ground lighting, drainage systems, communication networks, security fencing, and advanced aircraft control systems. Through their comprehensive contributions, Galliford Try ensured that the expanded airfield operates seamlessly and efficiently.