Manchester Airport Terminal Two £1.3bn transformation nears completion

The project to re-develop Manchester Airport Terminal Two, now one year on, is now entering its final phase of an impressive £1.3bn transformation.

The new facilities will be part of the brand-new Terminal Two, which is already winning awards.

Manchester Airport Terminal Two

The airport hopes to create a world-class welcoming space for passengers, with a range of food and shopping options available to please everyone.

An extended departure lounge will feature a food market serving a variety of world cuisines and quick eats, catering to passengers who prefer a more casual dining experience.

Not only this, but they are sprucing up the basics too.

They have introduced an entirely new baggage system, demolished the old security hall and created 100s of new jobs while doing so.

Manchester Terminal Two’s ’boutique’ high street

They will also create a boutique high street-style shopping area called The Avenue, which will include a Champagne Bar and premium brands, artisan cafes, and a brasserie.

The new shopping zone will have an airy and spacious feel, with each storefront opening onto airfield views and plenty of passenger seating for added comfort.

The airport is currently searching for retailers selling toys, fashion, accessories, and travel essentials to take up units in this area.

They are also seeking out partners who will showcase the best of the North in their units, through the design of their stores and the range of products on offer.

Phase one of Mancheste’s Terminal Two re-development

The first phase of the project started with the opening of the west side of the brand-new Terminal 2– which has already won a prestigious design award, the Prix Versailles, which recognised it as one of the most beautiful airport buildings in the world.

What’s next?

Over the next 18 months, the second phase will see the completion of Terminal 2’s second pier which will increase the number of boarding gates and provide capacity for next-generation aircraft and the giant Airbus A380.

It will also see the completion of a new check-in hall and brand-new security scanners, an extension of the departure lounge and the installation of a landmark piece of art made using the iconic old chandeliers that used to be in Terminal 1.

Richard Jackson, Retail Director at Manchester Airport

According to Richard Jackson, Retail Director at Manchester Airport, “We are well aware that our guests’ holidays start at the airport, and we want them to enjoy their time here – whether that means sipping craft beer brewed at the airport in a bar overlooking the airfield or eating an artisan pizza.”

He added, “We’re looking to build on our existing range of food and drink options in Terminal Two, with all-new offerings, including a Champagne Bar and a market hall-style food court.”

The expanded retail and restaurant offering forms part of the transformation program’s second phase, which will see the original Terminal Two building remodelled and upgraded in sync with the recently-opened terminal extension.

The work is expected to be completed by 2025.

The first phase of the project saw a number of Mancunian favourites taking up residence in Terminal Two, from burger and shake chain Archie’s, Italian restaurant San Carlo and coffee brand Pot Kettle Black, to Manchester brewers Joseph Holt and Seven Bro7hers.

They were joined by household names like Costa Coffee, WH Smith, Pret a Manger, and Wagamama.

Mark Flanagan, the owner of Pot Kettle Black, said, “Opening an outlet in Manchester Airport together with our partners HMSHost UK has been an incredible experience.”

He added, “We started in Manchester nine years ago in just small premises in Barton Arcade. Now through the branch in the airport, we’re reaching customers who come from all over the world, and we’re even seeing international customers visiting our city centre branches because they’ve been to the one in the airport.

“Back in 2014, we never thought we’d be an international brand, but the airport branch is helping us do that.”

The airport hopes that the new facilities will create a welcoming and comfortable experience for passengers, as they embark on their journeys.

By offering a range of food and shopping options, the airport aims to provide passengers with an enjoyable experience that they will remember fondly.

The airport’s investment in this transformation program is expected to pay off in the long run, as it helps to establish Manchester Airport as a leading destination for travellers from around the world.

Key Milestones of Manchester Airport Terminal Two re-development

January 2023: Phase 2 launched

February 2023: Demolition of the old retail and security hall

March 2023: Creation of 500 new construction jobs on the project – plus opportunities for T Level students and work experience students

April 2023: Work completed in Terminal 2 West check-in hall – including the delivery of 40 new check-in desks that are already improving customer service. The baggage hall was also extended and the new system for moving

May 2023: Tenders launched for 27 new shops, restaurants and bars to go in the new part of the Terminal 2 departure lounge – the final lineup will be announced in the spring

June 2023: Construction started on Pier 2 – this is the largest infrastructure element of the second phase and will almost double the terminal’s capacity for aircraft – including making it able to accommodate two Airbus A380s, the largest passenger jets in the world

July 2023: Piling started – piling is the process of drilling reinforced foundations into the ground to allow for the construction of large, heavy buildings. The project is using innovative pre-cast piles that significantly reduce vehicle movements involved in the
construction and drives down its carbon footprint

August 2023: Significant work on the airfield was carried out – including the installation of a sub-terranean aviation fuel pipe and the beginning of work to create a new dual taxiway which will make the airfield more efficient

September 2023: Welcomed new apprentices onto the project

October 2023: Work began on the east check-in hall – work that will bring it in line with the award-winning west side of the hall

November: In November the team carried out important community fundraising work

December: Preparations are underway for an epic 18 months of further work on the programme to see it complete in 2025

You can find out more on Manchester Airport Terminal Two check out their website by clicking here