Gatwick Airport North Terminal Redevelopment
Gatwick Airport, UK · 2014–2019 (part of £1bn investment plan) · £200m (specific to North Terminal upgrade, part of £1bn overall investment)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe redevelopment aimed to transform the North Terminal into a world-class facility, enhancing passenger experience and increasing handling capacity. - The use of BIM was central to managing the massive £1.2bn capital investment program, despite challenges with supply chain integration. - Service walkways above ceilings in passenger areas were designed to allow 24/7 maintenance access without impacting live areas below. - The project included significant upgrades to check-in, security, retail, and passenger facilities.
Key engineering challenges
Undertaking extensive redevelopment work in a live, operational airport environment, minimizing disruption to passengers and flights. - Integrating new engineering systems and infrastructure (e.g., dedicated plant areas, electrical infrastructure) without disrupting existing passenger areas. - Designing and constructing a new passenger orientation zone with a unique ETFE canopy. - Relocating passenger pick-up and drop-off zones to comply with the latest security regulations. - Managing a complex capital investment program with BIM technology, ensuring integration between designers, contractors, and operators.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Gatwick Airport Limited (owned by Global Infrastructure Partners)
- Lead contractor
- Balfour Beatty (main contractor for £200M North Terminal upgrade)
- Lead designers
- —
- Project type
- redevelopment | upgrade | refurbishment
- Scale
- New check-in area with up to 60 self-service bag drop units; new security area processing 5,000 passengers/hour; 30,000ft² new retail space; new passenger orientation zone with ETFE canopy; replacement of light railway system; new 1,000 space multi-storey car park.
- Disciplines
- Civil; structural; architectural; mechanical; electrical; airport planning; transport engineering
- Standards & frameworks
- UK Building Regulations; airport operational standards; security regulations; BIM standards
Sources: Airport Technology: Gatwick Airport Expansion, London (https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/gatwick-airport-expansion-london/) - Building.co.uk: Gatwick: Ground control (https://www.building.co.uk/focus/gatwick-ground-control/5076636.article) - Hoare Lea: Gatwick Airport North Terminal (https://hoarelea.com/project-story/gatwick-airport-north-terminal/) - New Civil Engineer: Gatwick Airport: Growth Plan (https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/gatwick-airport-growth-plan-17-02-2015/)