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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