Newcastle International Airport – Redevelopment and Upgrade of Public Open Space, Walkways, Canopies & Parking Facilities
BCE Northern was employed as Principal Contractor by Newcastle International Airport to undertake works to modify the Short-Term Car Park 1, pedestrianised routes and architectural structured canopies.
The works at the airport were part of a £4 million upgrade of the car parking facilities, expansion of the express parking area and the installation of new customer walkways.
It is the biggest redevelopment of the public open space and walkways at the airport in a decade and the range of new facilities uses the latest technology for additional security improving the overall experience for passengers.
The project raised a number of challenges throughout the programmed works. A major priority for the Client is to always maintain an uninterrupted seamless flow of passengers through its busy terminal, with over 5 million annual passenger numbers. This was undertaken without any closures or disruption to daily regimented routines and flight timetables.
Working in the very sensitive location of a busy international airport necessitated our workforce to remain professional and respectful to the needs of the general public whilst working effectively and safely at all times.
As the works were phased over 8 sections this involved careful sequencing, constant monitoring of routes, localised diversions and high priority given to passenger safety. This involved daily communication/liaison with the Client’s Management Team and our designated Liaison Officer on site. Most often planned phase-changes were implemented at night or out of hours to minimise disruption to daily traffic and pedestrian movements.
The works to the pedestrian zones and car parking involved an increase in size, streetscape improvement works to the pedestrian entry and exit points and the development of a premium parking area, incorporating two new canopies and covered walkways.
The new canopies were undertaken as a “Contractor Design” element to the overall car parking scheme.
BCE Northern undertook to deliver these from the Client’s Architectural brief and concept design, working closely with the Client team to meet with their end vision.
BCE produced working and detailed fabrication drawings with our preferred supply chain of consultants.
Incorporating changes to materials used and methodology to enhance the project detail and deliverability, all works were delivered safely, on time and to the Clients strict budgetary constraints.
The main elements of the project included:
- Site Clearance
- Bulk Excavation
- Drainage Installation
- Paving and Block Paving to 3800m2 of footways
- Canopy Installation, Foundations and Steelworks
- Installation of Architectural Glazing and Fret Cut Panels
- Installation of Barriers
- Installation of High Mast 12m Lighting Columns and Lighting Upgrades
Following the successful completion of the first phase of the scheme, Short Term Car Park 1, BCE Northern were once again employed and began works to the Block Parking area at the airport. These works involved the construction of the parking area using geotextile matting as well as an access road and all associated drainage and lighting works.
BLOCK PARKING
The airport scheme demonstrates our successful management of all stakeholders on a complex site which involved:
- The Client
- Passengers and pedestrians
- Parked vehicles and moving traffic
- Deliveries to the airport
- Public transport routes
- Deliveries to businesses within the airport
Our framework experience, qualifications and the values engrained in our DNA meant the airport scheme was managed exceptionally well and delivered to the satisfaction of the client, with anticipated repeat business for future phases and developments at the airport.