Manchester Airport in the UK has revealed more details on the features of its new £1bn (US$1.3bn) terminal extension. The project will see Terminal 2 more than double in size and undergo a complete overhaul.
The new T2 will include smart artwork, such as a honeycomb light installation that proudly illuminates the departure lounge. With 16 million settings, it will change colors depending on the time of day.
Furthermore, a new 83m² digital screen will be installed in the new extension to provide entertainment and information to passengers. There will also be a children’s play area and dozens of new retail outlets.
The first phase of the program opened in April 2019 with the first passenger pier and a new 3,800 space parking garage. The terminal extension is set to open in July 2020. It will see a brand-new security hall, departure lounge, immigration hall, arrivals hall and a new bus gate lounge. Other facilities will then open later in 2020, including island check-in desk banks and new baggage reclaim facilities.
The existing fully reconfigured Terminal Two will open in 2022 with 32 new shops and food and beverage outlets. Once fully open the new T2 will be 150% bigger than the current building.
Andrew Cowan, CEO of Manchester Airport, said, “We’re delighted with the progress that’s been made on the project and we can’t wait for passengers to experience the new facilities next summer. The new extension will offer a real step change to our passengers, with state-of-the-art facilities and a great selection of shops and restaurants for them to enjoy.”
Gareth Jacques, project director of contractor Laing O’Rourke, added, “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 parking garage. 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.”
To see a video of the transformation project, click here.