Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MAN-TP)

Bethell played a key role in developing and enhancing the passenger experience at Manchester Airport. As a long-time framework partner with Manchester Airport Group (MAG), we have been actively involved in delivering several projects to contribute to the delivery of this prestigious scheme.

T2 GIWA: Enablement works ahead of the main MAN-TP works included civils and public realm works "Front of House" at T2, provision of alternative retail capability, car park relocation and reconfiguration and facilities management. In addition, Bethell established a temporary landside environment within the existing CP to facilitate construction works.

T2 Substructure & Superstructure: Piling/foundation works for the SVCC. Our team poured 43 pile foundations and 25 pile caps, including two escalator bases/walls, and two lift bases/ walls. With the addition of installing precast concrete panels on the façade of the building, steel fixing and concrete floor slabs on levels 10, 20, 30, and 45 in the SVCC and EVCC, poured concrete infills and slab pours inside the existing terminal on the newly proposed duty-free area on level 30 (600m³ of concrete). This was finished with the installation of foul drainage and hard landscaping around the SVCC.

P2P2: Airside Enclave, supply and installation (and removal) of 1.6km of temporary CP fencing around the Pier 2 work area to provide a compliant, secure landside environment facilitating the main works. Fencing was periodically reconfigured to suit the changing working areas during the six phases of the project.

Pier 2 Superstructure Concrete: Supply and installation of structural concrete floors within the steel frame structure of the new pier, requiring 4720m² of concrete. This work was critical to the delivery programme and was delivered sequentially and on time to facilitate access for follow-on trades.

MASHCo Fuel Hydrant: Assisting with the delivery of the civils element to the new fuel hydrant on the West façade of Pier 2. CBS backfill surrounding the fuel hydrant and systematic backfill of granular material to the underside of the taxiway and construction of concrete duct chambers.

East Service Yard: Bethell is currently delivering the ESY Project, realignment of Toronto Ave, construction of new CP fencing, installation of new ESY access off Palma Avenue, installation of new PAS-rated security bollards and gate, ducting, drainage, surfacing, existing service protection measures, and removal of current CP.

Bespoke delivery teams were appointed to each project, with specialist structural teams delivering piling, reinforced concrete, and façade works for the South Vertical Circulation Core (SVCC) at Terminal 2. Bethell's teams included Project Managers, Site Engineers, and Foremen, supported by reinforced concrete operatives and steel fixers.

These projects involved significant Design and Build (D&B) responsibilities, with Bethell assuming design liability for the reinforced concrete foundations, slabs, pile caps and waterproofing to lift the escalator bases. Design input also extended to concrete infill slabs in the new duty-free area inside the existing terminal, requiring integration with ongoing demolition activities.

Through liaison with MAG and the supply chain, priority access was arranged at the airside gate during pour days to eliminate unnecessary delays and allow concrete to be placed within its batching window. Pumping concrete into internal slab areas up to 200m away required close coordination with the demolition contractor, agreeing temporary stand-downs of demolition activity during pour operations.

The works were delivered to the programme, with the successful completion of foundations, slab pours, drainage, and facade installation in line with MAG asset and quality standards.

Collaboration was key to our success, with weekly and daily planning meetings with the client ensuring alignment on programme and safety, while concrete supply and pumping strategies were developed with the client and supply chain partners. The proactive approach to concrete delivery logistics, including securing gate priority and eliminating duplicate security checks, highlighted collaborative problem-solving.

Bethell discharged its Principal Contractor responsibilities for specific work packages to ensure the works were planned effectively. We managed the works and managed the risks specific to the highly regulated and time-sensitive environment, monitored the works and the effectiveness of our controls, and coordinated the works of multiple specialist trades to ensure the safe delivery of the works. Strict adherence to airport rules, permit systems, and security protocols ensured compliance within a highly regulated environment.

Aspects of the reinforced concrete and waterproofing works were delivered under D&B responsibilities, with Bethell ensuring these elements were integrated safely into the wider terminal redevelopment.