Gatwick announces £184m pier project

Gatwick Airport has set up the £183.9m contract to rebuild its Pier 1, replacing the existing building which has been operational for 54 years.

The present Pier 1 was opened in 1958, making it one of the oldest buildings in the South Terminal at the airport. However, the old facility is already struggling to cope with the capacity and operations of a modern day airport.

The new design, laid out over two concrete flooring decks, will incorporate a new system for baggage handling, being rolled out throughout Terminal 2. Five new aircraft stands will also make up the design of the pier, linked to the main construction by air bridges.

The building will also see the creation of newly configured passenger gate rooms, while the areas between will incorporate specialised child-friendly areas. New seating spaces will also be created between the gates.

The concept behind the design is to create a more accessible space and enable ease of movement from the main terminal. It is part of a major transformation of the airport, which is now managed by multinational private equity firm Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).

Ben Green, the airport’s head of piers and infrastructure, said:

“Over the last two years we have been transforming Gatwick.

“This project is our boldest step yet.”

The contract, which has been awarded to Vinci Construction, is due for delivery in the summer of 2015 and will be completed concurrently to live operations of the existing pier.