First look at Leeds Bradford 'green' airport terminal

First look at Leeds Bradford ‘green’ airport terminal

1/3 Arrivals halls will have modern baggage machines and fewer queues

2/3 Departure gates allowing passengers to walk straight onto aircraft from the terminal

3/3 Spacious, temperature-controlled and naturally lit check in, security and departure hall

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has released CGI images of its proposed replacement terminal, showing what passengers could expect if plans are approved.

Images show the new check in hall, departures lounge and arrivals gate, which feature large glass fronted walls, high ceilings, electronic check in desks and food stalls.

LBA’s plans for a replacement terminal, submitted to Leeds City Council in May 2020, propose the construction of a modern, three floor, 34,000m2 building on an alternative site within the airport’s boundary.

The airport operator says it would be the most environmentally efficient airport building in the UK and deliver a passenger experience beyond what is achievable in the existing terminal, which has a legacy of several piecemeal extensions over the course of its 55-year history.

However, the Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA) claims that the plans directly contradict Leeds City Council’s climate emergency policy, as the increase in flights and traffic would add to CO2 emissions and noise in the area. It is currently encouraging individuals to submit objections to the planning application.

If approved, LBA expects construction of its replacement terminal to be completed as early as 2023.

Improvements include:

A check-in area three times bigger than the current facility, helping to significantly reduce overall queuing times and increase capacity
Spacious, temperature-controlled and naturally lit check in, security and departure hall
A focus on public transport, with a new bus terminal located as close as possible to the terminal entrance and closer to the proposed Parkway rail station
An improved and wider range of bars, eateries, shops and lounges
Improved disabled access
Departure gates that allow passengers to walk straight onto aircraft from the terminal
An appropriately sized arrivals hall, with modern baggage machines and fewer queues
Significantly faster journey through the terminal building
Improved toilets and changing facilities equally spaced throughout the terminal

LBA chief executive Hywel Rees said: “It’s no secret that the current terminal at Leeds Bradford Airport is outdated. Essentially, the airport has only ever had ad-hoc additions made to it over the last five and a half decades. The expectations of passengers have rightfully changed exponentially in this time and it is only right that we move to meet them.

“We hope that these images can capture the imagination of passengers old and new, as well as generate a sense of excitement for a project we believe can significantly benefit the region.”

A decision from the council on LBA’s proposal is expected in autumn 2020.

Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.