Construction milestone for Manchester Airport’s £1bn transformation

The first phase of Manchester Airport’s £1bn transformation completed today (February 23), marking six months of work on the development.

Two apprentices recruited to the scheme tightened the last bolt on the steel framework, connecting one of the new airport piers to the Terminal Two extension.

They were joined by Manchester Airport boss Andrew Cowan and Bryan Glass, programme director at construction firm Laing O’Rourke.

To mark the milestone, new footage was unveiled showing progress on the development since it was launched last summer by The Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling MP.

Following the start of works, the transformation quickly delivered a temporary gate lounge with seats for up to 650 people.

Demolition is now largely complete and the foundations laid, allowing builders to focus on constructing the new Terminal Two extension and multi storey car park.

Apprentice Holleeann Walker with Manchester Airport CEO Andrew Cowan

Four tower cranes have been set up to aid the process, with two more coming before the end of March.

Airport CEO Andrew Cowan said: “Today is one of the major milestones for our £1bn transformation programme, which is gathering pace at a rapid rate.

“Through the delivery of the transformation we will have a world class airport the whole of the North can be proud of, and one that will attract new airlines and routes so that we can continue to play economic provider by linking the North to key investment and trade opportunities across the globe.”

Bryan Glass commented: “We’re delighted with the progress we have made on site so far. Today marks the pier and the pier link building coming together for the first time, which is a huge milestone for the team.

“In a little over a year, passengers will be taking off and landing from this building and it’s from up here you get a real sense of just how large the project is.”

He continued: “Having spent a few months demolishing, piling and laying foundations, we’ve recently started on the terminal extension superstructure and the new multi storey car park. Around 90% of the multi storey car park will be built using our innovative offsite construction methodology, enabling us to build faster, more safely and to a higher quality.”

Future Manchester Airport Transformation Programme milestones include the full handover of the first pier, construction of the second pier, changes to the highways and Terminal Two forecourt, and the creation of a new baggage hall serving the T2 extension.

Passengers will start to experience the new facilities first hand by 2019, when the first pier will open.