Mace appointed to build major project in middle of one of world’s busiest airfields

Mace has been confirmed as main contractor for the planned £140m extension to the mid-airfield Pier 6 at London Gatwick Airport. The extension will add a further eight aircraft gates to the existing passenger building, which was built with 11 gates connected by the striking 197m elevated airbridge built by Mace back in 2005.

When complete in 2027, the new gates will enable seven and a half million passengers to alight and depart directly onto aircraft each year, saving 12,000 bus journeys a year.

An innovative approach to design and construction has put the project on track to achieve BREEAM ratings of “Excellent” (Overall) and “Outstanding” (Energy and water). 

Design revisions include reducing the width of the building and relocating a service road which facilitated a two-storey building, rather than three. These changes will deliver an approximate 40% saving in embodied carbon, and a further 20% saving will be realised by moving to a hybrid steel and timber frame structure, re-designing ventilation systems to use less ductwork and plant, and changing finishes.

Mace has worked with WSP and Pascall & Watson to complete the engineering and architectural design. Enabling works are being carried out by PJ Hegarty.

The pier extension is part of a programme to develop and grow the airport, centred around its Northern Runway plans following the Government’s announcement that it is minded to approve the project.

Cedric Laurier, Chief Technical Officer, London Gatwick said, “This build is complex as it’s right in the heart of our airfield, but we’re experienced in delivering major projects in challenging environments. The partnership and experience from Mace will be invaluable. Our teams are already working side-by-side to deliver what we think is a cutting-edge design for an airport building in terms of embodied carbon savings.

“Once complete, more than seven million passengers will have a seamless airport experience, and our airlines will benefit from improved airfield efficiency as the extended pier is located conveniently beside the airport’s runway.”

Nigel Cole, Managing Director, Infrastructure, Mace Construct, said, “Using the latest sustainable construction techniques, this extension project will add much needed capacity to London Gatwick and benefit not just the wider economy but also the local community.

“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. This will include work experience placements, apprenticeships, and roles for local people not in education, employment or training.”