PLANS TO ‘improve, modernise and extend facilities’ at Birmingham Airport have moved a step closer.
Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has been appointed as the designer and project manager of the scheme which looks to increase capacity by five-million passengers a year over the next 15 years.
The announcement, made at real estate conference MIPIM in Cannes, outlines how, over the next five years, Atkins will assist Birmingham Airport in replacing and upgrading its current assets, using technology to prepare the airport for the future demand on air travel.
Atkins is overseeing the first phase of the terminal expansion as project manager and lead designer.
Plans include creating a larger departure lounge with a mezzanine floor, new shops and restaurant, and provide more toilets and seating.
The ground floor check-in area is set for renovation with more self-service desks, the latest bag-drop technology and a new baggage sorting area aimed at improving efficiency.
The security area will be larger and a new arrivals section will also be created.
There will also be 11 additional aircraft stands and improvements to public transport and road access for passengers.
Airport bosses also want to offer flights to more destinations, both short- and long-haul services – adding to its existing 150 routes.
These planned changes would sit alongside a direct link to the HS2 Interchange station.
Bosses have quashed speculation over whether a second runway would be opened as they say the masterplan was all achievable on the existing single runway.
Birmingham Airport’s chief executive, Nick Barton said, “Our Master Plan looks ahead to the year 2033 and outlines how the airport will develop the site to handle the 40 per cent expected growth in passengers.
“A significant element of the £500million investment over the next 14 years is the terminal transformation project, to deliver a world-class terminal facility for our customer that can cater for the growth in demand.
“We are therefore delighted to have awarded Atkins the contract for the lead design and project management for this package of works and we look forward to working in collaboration with them.”
Mike McNicholas, managing director for infrastructure at SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business, said: “The transformation of Birmingham Airport will bring improved connectivity and economic prosperity to the region.
“We look forward to working closely with Birmingham Airport and their stakeholders on this project, applying the latest technology and our human centred design approach in new and exciting ways to inform the airport’s transformation at this early stage.”
