Gatwick awards new South Terminal ‘welcome’ contract to VINCI Construction UK

Gatwick Airport has awarded a significant contract worth £16.5 million to VINCI Construction UK, to transform the airport’s South Terminal forecourt – part of its near £1 billion investment programme to modernise the airport and provide a better experience for passengers at every step of their journey.

The three-year transformation, which began in June last year, will provide a welcoming and spacious entrance for passengers arriving at the South Terminal.

Passengers will have quicker and easier access to the different areas of the terminal, thanks to clearer lines of sight and a brighter, more contemporary space with new flooring and lighting. New lifts will also be installed to take passengers to the upper level of the forecourt from the ground level.

At ground level, a new coach waiting area, including ticket facilities and toilets, will be in place for scheduled coach operations, with coach stops directly outside the building, supporting Gatwick’s transport strategy to encourage increased use of public transport.

The total cost of the project is £29.6 million and will be completed in March 2012, in time for the London Olympics.

Gatwick’s Director of Capital Projects, Raymond Melee said, “I am delighted to announce Vinci Construction as principle contractor on the South Terminal Forecourt project. This is one of our key strategic projects within our near £1bn investment programme, which will improve our service to passengers. VINCI Construction UK has a strong track record on safety and extensive experience in challenging airport environments.

“We’re excited about these great new facilities for South Terminal and hope the Department for Transport gives the go ahead to the planned £53 million investment in the GatwickAirport rail station which, alongside our investment, will deliver a real world-class welcome at the second busiest gateway to the UK.”

Jason Griffiths, Production Director at VINCI Construction UK said, ”We are delighted to be awarded this flagship project at Gatwick. It signifies the start of the re-development of the South Terminal and we are proud to be an integral part of this programme of work. Our teams have been supporting GatwickAirport on this scheme for the past twelve months and are confident that the proposed works will significantly improve the welcome to the airport.

“This project will be delivered within the heart of a live terminal environment and will require excellent operational engagement at all times. The team we have selected to work on the project have a proven track record and we are confident that they will deliver a first class product for Gatwick within a challenging environment.”