Project
04
53°21'19" N, 2°16'39" W
MAN Manchester Airport Pier 2 Phase 2
Manchester Airport Pier 2 Phase 2 forms a major component of the £1.3 billion Manchester Airport Transformation Programme, expanding the capacity and operational flexibility of Terminal 2. The new pier introduces additional boarding gates, flexible aircraft stands and improved passenger connectivity within a live international airport environment. Architectural development required the integration of complex structural, façade and building services systems, with particular emphasis on multidisciplinary coordination, technical detailing and the connection between new infrastructure and existing terminal facilities.

Location
Manchester, United Kingdom
Year
2023
Typology
Aviation
Area
17.000 m²
Status
Completed
Client
Pascall+Watson
Architectural Scope
Architectural design development and technical coordination for Pier 2 at Manchester Airport Terminal 2, forming part of the wider Manchester Airport Transformation Programme. The project extends the airport's passenger infrastructure through a new pier connected to the existing terminal, accommodating additional boarding facilities and flexible aircraft stands.
The architectural scope required the careful integration of operational requirements, structural systems and building services within a complex, continuously operating international airport.
Building Envelope & Interfaces
The new pier incorporates an extensive building envelope supported by a structural steel framework. Technical design development required the coordination of façade systems, structural connections, roof interfaces and associated building services to achieve coherent, buildable architectural solutions.
Particular attention was given to the relationship between primary structural elements, secondary architectural components and critical junctions, ensuring consistency between design intent, technical performance and construction requirements.
Terminal Connectivity
A key element of the development is the integration of the new pier with existing Terminal 2 facilities. The connection between new and existing infrastructure required careful consideration of floor levels, passenger circulation, structural transitions and accessible routes.
The architectural design process balanced spatial continuity and passenger experience with the technical demands of integrating new construction into an established terminal environment.
Technical Coordination & Delivery
Delivery within a live airport introduced complex constraints relating to operational continuity, construction sequencing, security and multidisciplinary coordination.
Technical design development focused on resolving architectural interfaces, coordinating construction information and maintaining consistency across design packages. The integration of prefabricated elements and coordinated building systems supported efficient construction while minimising disruption to airport operations.
Architectural Approach
The project demonstrates an approach to aviation architecture in which operational performance, passenger experience and technical precision are addressed as interconnected design priorities. The careful resolution of complex building interfaces contributes to a coherent, adaptable and future-ready airport environment.
Credits
Project Client: Manchester Airports Group (MAG)
Architectural Design: Pascall + Watson
Construction Management & Principal Contractor (Phase 2): Mace
Structural Engineering: Buro Happold
Building Services Engineering: Hoare Lea
Mechanical & Electrical Contractor: NG Bailey
Façade & Structural Steelwork: Martifer Metallic Constructions
Modular Construction / Kit-of-Parts Design: WSP
BIM Information Management: BakerHicks
Airfield Design: Jacobs
Baggage Systems: Vanderlande
Architectural Subcontractor: ach!
Contribution: Façade Package Design Development (RIBA Stage 3); Secondary Steel & Structural Interface Coordination; Internal Partition, Ceiling & Door Package Technical Development (RIBA Stage 4)
Visualisation: © Pascall + Watson
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