Leeds Bradford Airport in the UK is submitting fresh plans to build a state-of-the-art terminal, replacing a recently consented scheme.
The new plans, to be submitted in spring 2020, involve replacing the existing terminal building with a more efficient and sustainable development. They propose the construction of a three floor, 34,000m2 (365,975ft22 ) terminal on an alternative site within the airport’s boundary.
If approved, this upgrade would create a modern airport terminal, classified as ‘excellent’ by the BREEAM sustainability standard, which is awarded only to the most environmentally efficient buildings internationally. Completion of the terminal would also enable Leeds Bradford to meet its target of net zero carbon emissions from airport operations by 2023.
The scheme would deliver significantly enhanced facilities, allowing the airport to meet its expected passenger demand, with improved level of service and efficiency. Features to enhance the passenger experience include: better surface access, with the site located nearer to the proposed rail link; clean and airy interiors; improved shopping, restaurants and bars; and excellent access, from arrival to boarding.
Leeds Bradford received consent to expand its existing terminal in January 2019 and the airport’s current roadmap signposts a target of seven million passengers by 2030.
This proposal marks the start of an extensive consultative process and residents across Yorkshire are invited to submit their views on the plans in due course. If approved, it is anticipated that work could begin before the end of 2020, with the terminal completed in early 2023. The project will be privately funded by airport owners AMP Capital.
Leeds Bradford’s existing terminal, built in 1965, is the 15th busiest in the UK by passenger numbers. The airport contributed £475m (US$620m) to the local economy in 2018, employing around 2,500 people and supporting over 7,200 jobs.
Hywel Rees, chief executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said, “Our vision is to serve our region as a truly outstanding airport and to profoundly change the perception and reality of customer experience for passengers. To do this we need a terminal that meets the needs of the future in passenger flow and energy efficiency.
“This proposal is not about growing beyond our predicted capacity; it is about meeting the same demand in a more efficient way, with a smaller environmental footprint; it is about creating a more modern building that can achieve operational excellence to give passengers the best experience; and it is about addressing the challenges we know our passengers face far too frequently and that cannot be overcome within our current building.”
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