Left: A design rendering of London Gatwick’s proposed two runway system
London Gatwick Airport has unveiled its plans to expand its £2bn (US$2.9bn) investment program to £2.5bn (US$3.6bn), and to begin speaking with consultants about the potential construction of a second runway.
The new projects will include the expansion of the North Terminal International Departure Lounge, improvements to the North Terminal short-stay parking lot, additional pier stands, and the expansion of Border Force areas in both the North and South terminals. There will also be an ongoing focus to improve food and beverage concessions, refurbish pier and gate rooms, add remote parking stands, and improve the bus and coach facilities.
Raymond Melee, development director at London Gatwick, said, “Gatwick has already invested £1.3bn (US$1.9bn) since becoming independent from BAA ownership, transforming the way we operate to deliver a world-class experience for our passengers.
“Over the next five years we will be investing £1.2bn (US$1.7bn) to meet accelerated passenger growth and bringing forward crucial infrastructure projects.
“Gatwick will in the very near future also be seeking expressions of interest from consultants to tender for work on our second runway building program.
“It is important that Gatwick is ready to start work as soon as we get government approval to deliver the increased capacity that Britain desperately needs. Opening discussions with contractors now means we will be well placed to take forward our plans for a second runway, on time and on budget.
“Gatwick remains the cheaper, faster and more sustainable scheme. Legally, politically and environmentally, we are the only deliverable option that can actually deliver the jobs, growth and additional capacity that airport expansion would bring.”