Watson Batty Architects to design new facilities for LBA extension

British design firm Watson Batty Architects has won a contract to design the new arrivals extension, departure pier and internal remodelling at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) in the UK.

The selection comes after an ongoing brief for Watson Batty to support extension works planned as part of the airports’ Route to 2030’ Strategic Development Plan.

Recently, LBA revealed plans for the £12.5m ($16.5m) three-storey extension to its terminal building, which will include a transformed international arrivals process with immigration, baggage reclaims and customs.

Additionally, the extension project will include improved departure gates and offer space for seating areas and new retail and food and beverage outlets.

Upon completion of the terminal building expansion project next year, works will then start on re-modelling the existing terminal building.

The re-modelled terminal will offer a new centralised security search area and a more intuitive departure lounge layout, with an expanded new retail offer.

This work is expected to conclude by 2020.

A future phase will focus on completing the work related to the departure pier, replacing the current passenger walkway.

Watson Batty Architects managing director Peter White said: “We have worked closely with the team at LBA over the last six years, assisting with detailed collaboration and consultation, to support a series of enabling projects, both airside and landside. It is rewarding to know that our transport expertise is helping to build the future of a critical northern hub.”

Earlier, Watson Batty helped the airport to improve the circulation and flow of passengers around the terminal. The company designed the new departure lounge extension last year, which provided an additional storey and mezzanine floor to Gate Five.

Additionally, a 150m-long, three-lane covered, external walkway was designed from the terminal, together with a major departure gate refurbishment.