Airport facilities to be boosted by new terminal
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is submitting fresh plans to build a state-of-the-art terminal, which aims to dramatically improve passenger experience, deliver one of the UK’s most environmentally efficient airport buildings, and support greater economic prosperity for the Leeds City Region, Yorkshire and the North. These new plans, to be submitted in spring 2020, replace the recently consented scheme and the existing terminal building, with a more efficient and sustainable development. The plans propose the construction of a three floor, 34,000 sq. mt. terminal on an alternative site within the airport’s boundary. If approved, this upgrade would create a modern airport terminal, classified as ‘excellent’ by the BREEAM sustainability standard, which is awarded only to the most environmentally efficient buildings internationally. Completion of the terminal would also enable LBA to meet its target of net zero carbon emissions from airport operations by 2023. The scheme would deliver significantly enhanced facilities, allowing LBA to meet its expected passenger demand, with improved level of service and efficiency. Features to enhance the passenger experience include better surface access, with the site located nearer to the proposed rail link, clean and airy interiors, improved shopping, restaurants and bars and excellent access and comfort through from arrival to boarding. Hywel Rees, Chief Executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “This proposed development is hugely exciting for Leeds Bradford Airport and the North and replaces our previously approved plans. For more than 55 years, LBA has provided an international gateway to and from Yorkshire. Our vision is to serve our region as a truly outstanding airport. To do this we need a terminal that meets the needs of the future in passenger flow and energy efficiency. “This proposal is not about growing beyond our predicted capacity; it is about meeting the same demand in a more efficient way, with a smaller environmental footprint; it is about creating a more modern building that can achieve operational excellence and profoundly change the customer experience to address the challenges we know our passengers face far too frequently and that cannot be overcome within our current building. We’re confident that our vision will deliver an airport building that is better placed to support our region’s economic growth and become one that Yorkshire can be proud of.” LBA’s existing terminal, built in 1965, is 15th busiest in the UK by passenger numbers. LBA contributed £475m to the local economy in 2018, employing around 2,500 people and supporting over 7,200 jobs. Aviation Minister, Paul Maynard, said: “Leeds Bradford Airport is the global gateway to one of the most beautiful parts of the world, so it is vital passengers get the world class service this new terminal will provide. The new building will be more sustainable and efficient, helping the airport meet its net zero carbon emissions target by 2023, while boosting the local economy and securing thousands of jobs.” See more here