By ANISAH ARIF
A new terminal extension plan for the Leeds Bradford Airport has been approved by Leeds City Council.
This decision means that construction of the two/three storey extension to the main airport terminal building will look to commence in Spring 2019.
It will also see significantly larger immigration and baggage reclaim areas, improved gate facilities, additional retail and food beverage outlets and additional free seating, to provide an improved arrival experience.
It is the biggest investment to date in the site by AMP Capital since it purchased the airport in October 2017. This forms part of the airport’s ‘Route to 2030 Strategic Development Plan’ which will see annual passenger number increase from four million to seven million by 2030. The planning application was made on behalf of Leeds Bradford Airport by Deloitte Real Estate.
David Laws, Chief Executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “This is fantastic news for the region’s passengers and the wider economy. With work scheduled to be complete in winter 2019/2020 we are increasing peak-time capacity to deliver a first class passenger experience and create an airport Yorkshire can be proud of.”
“This will allow us to attract a greater range of airlines and support route development, which in turn will deliver additional international destinations that our business and leisure passengers’ desire.”
Nolan Tucker, director at Deloitte Real Estate, planning consultant on the project, added: “This is a significant step in the successful development of Leeds Bradford Airport. It is hugely important that this gateway to our region reflects its scale and importance to the wider UK.
“This is the first in a series of future infrastructure projects which will improve access to the airport, helping to increase its capacity, deliver tangible return on investment and fuel future economic growth. The role of Leeds Bradford Airport in the City Region’s development strategy cannot be overstated.”
LBA contributes £336m to the local economy every year and delivers over 2,350 direct jobs, and the development comes as part of the wider strategy to improve the region’s connectivity nationally and internationally.
Once the new building is complete, works will then commence on re-modelling the existing terminal building to provide a new security central search area, enhanced check-in facilities, and a simplification of the customer journey through the existing departure lounge, which will also include new retail and F&B offers.
The final phase will include the construction of a new pier, replacing the current passenger walkway with a two-storey structure, housing arrivals and ground level, and departures being processed at additional new boarding gates on the first floor.
