London Stansted Airport has received planning permission from Uttlesford District Council for a new £130m (US$162m) arrivals building.
The 34,000m² (366,000ft2) facility will be the centerpiece of a multi-million pound program to transform Stansted and cater for a future hike in passenger numbers. It is set to be situated next to the current terminal and will include larger immigration and baggage reclaim areas, new retail facilities, improved access for onward travel options and a public forecourt to welcome passengers.
The existing terminal will be reconfigured so that it is dedicated to departing passengers, providing more space at check-in, security and in the departure lounge.
The first phase of development will begin later this summer to create additional short-term capacity such as extra check-in desks, additional seating and restaurants in the departure lounge.
Construction of the arrivals building will take place entirely outside the current terminal, helping to minimize disruption to passengers. It will take up to three years to complete once work begins late next year.
Andrew Cowan, chief executive of Stansted Airport, commented, “The granting of planning permission for our new £130m (US$162m) arrivals building is excellent news for everyone connected to Stansted Airport and will transform our infrastructure and facilities to give our passengers the best possible experience.
“Stansted is a national asset and our investment will continue to boost competition and support economic growth, jobs and international connectivity for London and the East of England.
“We will also be investing in other terminal improvements in the short term to keep pace with increased passenger and airline demand that we expect over the next few years. This will include more check-in desks, extra seating and new restaurants in the departure lounge. This is on top of the ongoing investment to improve car parking facilities at the airport.”