DUDLEYS Consulting Engineers has been retained to advise on structural and civil engineering matters to support the £100 million upgrade plans for Leeds Bradford Airport's (LBA).

LBA announced the investment last month with a view to improving the passenger experience and unlocking major economic growth potential for the airport.

The first phase, set to start on site imminently, will deliver a 102,000 sq ft, three storey extension to the east side of the existing terminal. It will provide a new baggage reclaim hall in the basement, a new arrivals hall on the ground floor, and an extended departure lounge on the first floor.

LBA has also committed to a major refurbishment programme for the existing buildings with a new security hall and duty-free area. Significant improvements will be made to the seating, security, baggage reclaim and immigration areas as well as shops, amenity and food outlets with additional aircraft stands.

Dudleys has been supporting LBA for more than 15 years, advising across the entire estate including airside aprons, building alterations, car parking areas, masts, and tunnels as well as the public buildings. The award-winning practice has worked with LBA since 2018 to specifically support design proposals for the extension through planning processes.

Dudleys is working alongside main contractor, Farrans Construction and Architect Millar Management & Design to deliver both phases using sustainable methods of construction.

Andy Walker, Managing Director at Dudleys, said: “As a long standing and trusted advisor to Leeds Bradford Airport, we are delighted to see plans move forward for the much-anticipated improvements to the terminal building.

“Having advised across the LBA estate for many years, our historic knowledge of previous plans and experience of the site constraints have proved invaluable in helping LBA and its team to navigate the many challenges for this highly publicised project. The repurposing of existing 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s buildings support the important sustainability agenda, whilst the extension and adjoining improvements make way for a much improved, future-proofed airport that Yorkshire can be proud of.”

Vincent Hodder, Chief Executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “It’s fantastic to continue working with Dudleys and we are incredibly excited to get regeneration work underway at Leeds Bradford Airport. This investment will enable us to better our customer experience and create significant benefits to the local economy, by creating jobs and enhancing connectivity for businesses. Working closely with our contractors, including Dudleys, we have been able to keep sustainability and our 2030 Net Zero Carbon Roadmap at the heart of these regeneration plans. We look forward to continuing work with Dudleys on this regeneration and the future of the airport.”

Established more than 15 years ago in Leeds, Dudleys is an award-winning, privately-owned consultancy. It employs a team of 25 highly skilled people offering structural and civil engineering advice across the UK and operates in all key real estate sectors including residential, industrial, commercial, retail and education. As well as Leeds Bradford Airport, long standing clients include prominent developer CEG, Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate, Leeds United Football Club, Henry Boot Construction and Unilever UK.