Architecture firm appointed to design £12.5m Leeds Bradford Airport extension

Watson Batty Architects has been appointed to design the new arrivals extension, departure pier and internal remodelling at Leeds Bradford Airport.

Last week, LBA unveiled plans for the £12.5m investment with a three-storey new extension to its terminal building.

This will include a transformed international arrivals process, including immigration, baggage reclaim and customs. The extension will also accommodate improved departure gates, seating areas and new retail and food and beverage outlets.

Once the extension is completed in 2019, works will then commence on re-modelling the existing terminal building to provide a new centralised security search area and an improved departure lounge layout, with an expanded new retail offer.

Work is scheduled for completion by summer 2020. A further phase will include the completion of the departure pier, replacing the current passenger walkway.

Watson Batty Architects’ appointment follows an ongoing brief to support extension works planned as part of the airports’ Route to 2030’ Strategic Development Plan.

Peter White, managing director at Watson Batty said: “We are delighted to cement our partnership with Leeds Bradford Airport with our biggest project to date. We have worked closely with the team at LBA over the last six years, assisting with detailed collaboration and consultation, to support a series of enabling projects, both airside and landside. It is rewarding to know that our transport expertise is helping to build the future of a critical northern hub.”

Watson Batty has previously assisted Leeds Bradford Airport to improve circulation and flow of passengers around the terminal.

The firm designed the new departure lounge extension last year which provided an additional storey and mezzanine floor to Gate Five. It also designed a 150-metre-long, 3-lane covered, external walkway from the terminal together with a major departure gate refurbishment.

Watson Batty also re-planned the passenger scanning area, providing new feature lifts to help increase the efficiency of people movement and wheelchair access.