London Gatwick, one of Europe’s busiest airports, has begun work on the redevelopment of its North Terminal in a multi-million-pound scheme as part of the airport’s new branding project.
The £10m ($12.6m) redevelopment will include improvements in seating, accessibility, shopping options and sustainability in the first major overhaul of the lounge since it opened in 1988.
London Gatwick’s retail director Rachel Bulford spoke about the reasons behind the transformation, saying: “It’s important that we create a unique sense of place for our passengers, not only through our retail and restaurant provision but also the look and feel of the departure lounge.
“We want to recognise Gatwick’s location as a London airport, while also celebrating being in the heart of the South East and all the fantastic things the region has to offer.”
Alongside improving the look of the terminal, a planting scheme will also seek to “bring the outside in” with plants from the West Sussex countryside included as part of the design of the building.
Additionally, an improved sightline design for the departure lounge will make it easier for passengers to navigate the terminal as well as the inclusion of an “orientation zone”, according to Gatwick.
The redevelopment is the latest move in the airport’s rebranding project, launched earlier this year, which is seeking to highlight the site’s role as an international gateway for the over 30 million passengers that go through its terminals every year.
The project also sits alongside Gatwick’s efforts to bring its northern runway into regular use for departing aircraft, with a planning application on the way according to the airport.
