LEEDS BRADFORD UNVEILS REVISED PLANS FOR NEW TERMINAL

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) in the UK is submitting fresh plans to build a state-of-the-art terminal. 

It claims that the plans will 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.

The new plans, to be submitted in spring 2020, replace the recently consented scheme and the existing terminal building, with what the airport believes is a more efficient and sustainable development.

Plan B proposes the construction of a three floor, 34,000sqm terminal on an alternative site within the airport’s boundary.

If approved, according to LBA, 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.

Airport CEO, Hywel Rees, is in no doubt that the scheme would deliver significantly enhanced facilities, allowing LBA to meet its expected passenger demand, with improved level of service and efficiency.

He 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 andto profoundly change the perception and reality of customer experience for passengers. 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 to give passengers the best experience; and it is about addressing 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.”

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.

LBA’s existing terminal, built in 1965, is 15th busiest in the UK by passenger numbers.LBA contributed £475 million to the local economy in 2018, employing around 2,500 people and supporting over 7,200 jobs.

UK 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.”

LBA received consent to expand its existing terminal in January 2019 and the airport’s current roadmap signposts a target of seven million passengers by 2030.

Today marks the start of an extensive consultative process and residents across Yorkshire are invited to submit their views on the plans in due course.

If approved, it is anticipated that work could begin before the end of 2020, with the terminal completed in early-2023. The project will be privately funded by LBA’s owners AMP Capital.