Gatwick Pier 6

Marking a critical stage in the growth of Gatwick as the UK's second largest airport, client BAA conceived a plan to develop Pier 6, part of its sustainable development programme aimed at significantly reducing the number of passenger bus and fuel truck movements around the airport. The project comprised the construction of a new satellite building to serve the more remote aircraft stands, and a 197-metre long connector spanning a taxiway and linking Pier 6 to the North Terminal. As a long-term partner of BAA, Mace was appointed as construction manager and principal contractor because of its proven expertise in working and successfully delivering projects in a live airport environment.

Construction of the Pier 6 satellite building took place airside on an island site and required strict coordination of access for labour and materials. The passenger connector was constructed at an off-site prefabrication facility, removing the need for any long or short-term closure of the taxiway that would have resulted in significant financial loss for the client. The 3,800 tonne structure was successfully manoeuvred into position overnight, once the necessary road and taxiway closures had been arranged. The project was delivered on programme and within two percent of the budget, without undue impact on passenger movements or disruption to the airport's service.