Auckland Airport in New Zealand has appointed a consortium led by UK consulting engineer Mott MacDonald to complete the design of its proposed terminal.
To deliver this, we will draw on our experience at other strategically important airports such as London Heathrow, Hong Kong and Singapore– Keith Howell, Mott MacDonald chairman
The consortium includes London-based Grimshaw Architects and two New Zealand practices, Architectus and Holmes Consulting.
The scope of the project includes the terminal itself and a programme of infrastructure improvements that will be worked through over the next 10 years. These will include the construction of transport and car parking facilities.
The consortium will begin work almost immediately, with the design expected to be complete in early 2018.
Adrian Littlewood, the airport’s chief executive, said in a press statement: "The selected consortium’s experience covers over 1,000 aviation projects in 120 countries across 260 airports.
"In addition to specialist experience and knowledge, the consortium’s architects have a proven record of successfully bringing local cultural influence into the fabric of their passenger-focused design. This is a significant factor for us as we build a world class airport with a uniquely New Zealand feel."
Keith Howell, chairman of Mott MacDonald, said: "To deliver this, we will draw on our experience at other strategically important airports such as London Heathrow, Hong Kong and Singapore."
Auckland Airport is the busiest in New Zealand, with about 24 million passengers passing through in 2015, including 70% of all overseas visitors. It currently has two terminals, one international and one domestic, and one runway.
Work on a second runway began in 2007, but was later suspended when the global financial crisis reduced passenger demand.
It is now expected to be completed in 2025.
Mott MacDonald is already active in Auckland, most notably on a mixed-used 52-storey tower to be called 85 Customs Street, which will become the tallest building in the city. The firm is acting as structural, services and façade engineer.
Image: New Zealand’s busiest airport (Creative Commons)
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