Leeds Bradford Airport Regeneration (LBA:REGEN) - Terminal Extension and Refurbishment
Leeds, UK · 2023–2026 (Phase 1 completed June 2025, overall completion 2026) · £100 million (terminal extension); part of £200 million wider private investment
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe original plan for a completely new terminal was revised to a regeneration and expansion of the existing terminal. - The project aims to elevate passenger experience, enhance retail and dining offerings, and improve accessibility. - Significant investment in infrastructure to support regional economic growth and create up to 5,500 new jobs. - Focus on sustainability through new all-electric systems and encouraging airlines to deploy more fuel-efficient aircraft.
Key engineering challenges
Delivering a major terminal extension and refurbishment in a live operational environment, ensuring all passenger routes remain open. - Integrating new structures and systems with the existing terminal building. - Relocating the central search area and upgrading security technology. - Implementing new heating, lighting, and equipment to support the airport’s 2030 Net Zero Carbon Roadmap. - Managing the project in sub-phases to minimize disruption to passengers and maintain near-normal airport operations.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Leeds Bradford Airport Limited (owned by InfraBridge)
- Lead contractor
- Farrans Construction (Phase 1 and Phase 2)
- Lead designers
- Watson Batty Architects (lead designer); Dudleys Consulting Engineers (structural engineer)
- Project type
- expansion | refurbishment | upgrade
- Scale
- 9,500m² (102,257ft²) three-storey extension; 38% increase in floor area; 83% boost in seating capacity; 76% increase in retail space; 50% increase in security lanes; 350% larger immigration zone; new baggage-reclaim system (77% increase in capacity).
- Disciplines
- Civil; structural; architectural; mechanical; electrical; plumbing; airport planning; retail design; sustainability
- Standards & frameworks
- UK Building Regulations; airport operational standards; 2030 Net Zero Carbon Roadmap
Sources: Leeds Bradford Airport: FIRST LOOK: LEEDS BRADFORD AIRPORT UNVEILS FIRST ANIMATION OF TERMINAL EXPANSION (https://www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk/the-latest/first-look-leeds-bradford-airport-unveils-first-animation-of-terminal-expansion) - Farrans: Steelworks raised at Leeds Bradford Airport terminal extension (https://www.farrans.com/steelworks-raised-at-leeds-bradford-airport-terminal-extension/) - Airport Technology: Leeds Bradford Airport Regeneration, Yorkshire, UK (https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/leeds-bradford-airport-regeneration-yorkshire-uk/)