Mace is preparing to deliver a £140 million extension at one of the world’s busiest airports following design revisions.
The construction expert has been appointed by London Gatwick to design and build eight new aircraft gates at Pier 6, reducing airfield shuttle journeys.
The appointment follows Mace building a 197-metre airbridge and the original Pier 6 back in 2005.
This time Mace worked with WSP and Pascall+Watson on the revised engineering and architectural design, which is targeting BREEAM ratings of “Excellent” (Overall) and “Outstanding” (energy and water).
The revisions include reducing the width of the building, moving a service road and reducing a three-storey building to two storeys.
Other changes include moving to a hybrid steel and timber frame structure, re-designing ventilation systems to use less ductwork and plant, and altering certain finishes.
While enabling works are being carried out by PJ Hegarty.
When complete in 2027, an estimated 7.5 million passengers will funnel through Pier 6 each year.
The news is part of plans grow the airport, as London Gatwick prepares to deliver its Northern Runway after the UK Government said it is ‘minded to approve’ the project.
The international airport, near Crawley, said around 630 new jobs will be created for local construction workers if its Northern Runway development is approved, with around 1,400 in total forecast nationally at peak construction.
Gatwick first announced the expansion proposals in 2018.
It is currently understood to be the second-largest airport in the United Kingdom and the world’s busiest single-runway airport.
“Having built the original Pier 6 and link bridge, we know that working in a busy operating environment takes thorough planning and specialist experience, and this latest appointment sits alongside our existing projects within the baggage halls to provide new employment opportunities throughout the supply chain,” said Nigel Cole, Infrastructure MD, Mace Construct.
Adding: “This will include work experience placements, apprenticeships, and roles for local people not in education, employment or training.”
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