Manchester Airport has revealed ambitious multi-million pound plans to revamp Terminal 3. and has released computer-generated images of the expected look of the new terminal, set for completion next year.
This announcement coincides with another significant milestone in the airport's colossal 拢1.3 billion project to overhaul Terminal 2, as construction begins on a new road and the first trials of new taxiways on the airfield are successfully completed.
The old entrance to Terminal 1 will be transformed into the new Terminal 3 entrance. The revamped terminal will feature shops, stores, a 500-seat bar area boasting airfield views, and a new dining hall, promising more space and seating.
Once the new Terminal 2 is fully operational, which is anticipated to be later this year, Terminal 1 will cease operations entirely.
The redevelopment plans for Terminal 3, primarily serving domestic routes and originally opened in 1989, will incorporate part of the Terminal 1 building, given their adjacent locations and interconnected structure, reports .
The project aims to remodel the terminal entrance, security hall, and departure lounge, creating additional space for passengers and new retailers, while also refreshing the aesthetic of the existing building, according to the airport.
In a nod to Manchester's emblem - the worker bee - honeycomb lights reflecting the design of the new Terminal 2 will be installed.
An airport spokesperson told the MEN: "The project will remodel the entrance to the terminal, the security hall and the departure lounge - creating extra space for passengers and for new retailers, as well as updating the look and feel of the building.
"The Northern hub launched its ambitions transformation programme in 2015. It involves doubling the size of Terminal 2 and closing Terminal 1 鈥 but now we have set out how we plan to use some of the space in Terminal 1 after it closes to expand the adjoining Terminal 3."
The first segment of their decade-long revamp has already seen the Terminal 2 building doubled in size. Since the extension's 2021 opening, it has welcomed over 30 million passengers.
Looking forward, the second phase is anticipated to conclude later this year, integrating the remainder of the terminal with the new extension which includes over 20 additional retail outlets, eateries, and pubs.
With these plans coming into fruition, the revamped T2 is set to serve upwards of 70% of travellers passing through the facility, leading to the eventual closure of T1, although parts of it will be utilised to reinforce T3, as revealed in today's announcement.
Chris Woodroofe, managing director of Manchester Airport, said: "We are proud to connect the people of the North to the world 鈥 and our transformation programme means that our passengers will be able to enjoy an airport experience that rivals that of any European capital city.
"The work we've done in Terminal 2 is there for all to see 鈥 and we've already won the prestigious Prix Versailles award for its architecture and design. But until now we haven't talked about our plans for Terminal 3.
"Moving to a two-terminal airport is giving us a great opportunity to use some of the existing Terminal 1 space to increase the footprint of Terminal 3. We're doing that as well as making some all round improvements to Terminal 3 - so passengers will enjoy new security technology, more space, more seats, new retail and food and drink, and more.
"It's another exciting step towards delivering an even better experience for our passengers and I can't wait to see it progress."
In related news, construction has commenced on a significant infrastructure project near Terminal 2. The groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of Sydney Avenue 鈥 a new link road designed to improve traffic flow around the Thorley Lane entrance to the airport site, replacing the current Sydney Avenue.
The airport has also successfully completed the initial trials of new taxiways on the airfield, it reported. These will accommodate more aircraft on the airfield and the trials are considered a 'significant step' towards the full opening of the new T2.
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