Leeds Bradford Airport has announced a £100 million plan to regenerate its sole terminal.
The project will see a 9,500 sq. metre, three-storey extension to the existing terminal, alongside a significant refurbishment of the current terminal building.
It will also create additional aircraft stands, more seating, faster security, new shops and eateries, and a larger baggage reclaim area and immigration hall, as well as improved access for passengers with restricted mobility.
The project would help the airport decarbonise its operations and meet its net zero ambitions with the installation of new heating, lighting and machinery, including new baggage belts.
Vincent Hodder, chief executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said:
“This announcement marks the beginning of a new era for Leeds Bradford Airport.
“This investment will give us the infrastructure needed to deliver an outstanding customer experience, support the growth of our airline partners, enhance connectivity for business, investment and trade and provide the airport that Leeds, Bradford and Yorkshire have been waiting for.
“LBA is a key asset for our region and our community, our investment enhances and supports broader investments underway in Leeds and Bradford creating new jobs, new opportunities and shared benefits for our community.”
Inside the new Leeds Bradford Airport terminal.
The airport has appointed Belfast-based Farrans Construction to deliver the first phase of the project, which will see the terminal extended.
LBA estimates that the scheme has the potential to create 1,500 new direct jobs at the airport and 4,000 new indirect jobs, as well as contribute a total of £940 million to the local economy.
Work will start on the terminal in autumn this year and is expected to be compete in 2026.
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Long-term delays expected at key junction on way to Leeds Bradford Airport
Delays are expected until Spring next year on a key junction between Harrogate and Leeds Bradford Airport while roadworks take place on the A660 and the A658.
The Dyneley Arms junction, at the top of Pool Bank, connects Pool-in-Wharfedale to north Leeds, as well as to Bradford, Otley and the airport.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority is spending £2.4m on the scheme, which involves widening roads and adding crossings and turning lanes.
The council said the works will improve journey times between Leeds and Harrogate. The main works will begin on September 12.
Cllr Helen Hayden, Labour councillor on Leeds City Council said:
“This junction was ranked one of the top congested junctions in the Leeds district. I’m pleased to see after a lot of efforts to deliver the scheme, we’re finally able to make a start to improve capacity at the junction.
“The scheme will also provide benefits to improve journey times between Leeds and Harrogate, and the intervening villages when it completes in spring next year. Like many schemes in construction across Leeds, we’re advising motorists to allow more time for journeys and to plan ahead where possible. We apologise in advance of any inconvenience caused.”
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Harrogate district’s mixed reaction to Leeds Bradford Airport expansion
“Very good news” was the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce reaction after Leeds Bradford Airport was granted planning permission to build a new £150m terminal.
But the decision was unpopular with Zero-Carbon Harrogate who called it a “massive setback” for local climate targets.
The airport, which is 12 miles from Harrogate town centre, was yesterday given the green light by Leeds City Council to build the new terminal, which would replace the current terminal that was built in 1968.
Sandra Doherty, chief executive of chamber, said the expansion will improve Harrogate’s standing as an international conference and exhibition destination.
She also called for a new £42 million rail station on the Harrogate line that would connect with Leeds Bradford Airport with the town.
‘Fantastic news for our region’
The airport said the new terminal will help increase annual passenger numbers from four million to seven million.
Transdev Blazefield’s Flyer buses connect the airport with Harrogate as well as Bradford and Leeds and soon to be Otley.
The company’s CEO Alex Hornby called the decision “fantastic news for our region.”
He added:
“We’re looking forward to growing demand for public transport alongside Leeds Bradford Airport and continuing our investment in increased services and low-emission buses.”
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New terminal building at Leeds Bradford Airport set for approval
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£42 million Leeds Bradford Airport interchange proposed for Harrogate line
‘Such a setback’
24 people spoke yesterday against the plans including academics, environmentalists and charity bosses. Most cited the impact the extra flights will have on climate change and carbon emissions.
Rod Beardshall, transport lead at Zero Carbon Harrogate, said the decision “beggars belief”.
“It’s so utterly shortsighted. We are playing Russian roulette with our future. I’m absolutely shocked and dismayed. It’s such a setback.”
His view was shared by local environmental campaigner Brian McHugh who added:
New terminal building at Leeds Bradford Airport set for approval“I would say that this is yet another example of the UK not living up to its climate emergency pledges. Why we are still investing in industries that raise emissions further is absurd.
“We have already seen the protracted case for Heathrow expansion and yet again it seems that potential economic benefits outweigh real enviromental damage.”
Leeds Bradford Airport’s plans to build a bigger passenger terminal building have been recommended for approval.
The £150 million scheme would increase annual passenger numbers from four million to seven million and extend flight hours.
Leeds City Council will vote on the plans next week but the council’s chief planning officer has recommended approval.
If they are given the go ahead, the current building would be demolished and a new three-floor, 34,000 square metre glass building would be created on an alternative site.
Leeds Bradford Airport Limited estimates the development will support 12,650 permanent jobs across the Leeds City Region, as well as create 850 construction jobs while building work takes place.
The company claims the proposals would “deliver one of the UK’s most environmentally efficient airport buildings”. The current terminal building, which was built in 1968, would be demolished.
The scheme would also increase the times when flights can take place from the current period of 7am-11pm to 6am-11.30pm.
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The airport’s website says about the new terminal building:
“This will not only be more operationally efficient but will provide a gateway to Leeds and beyond and will greatly improve the passenger and employee experience and provide higher quality welcome for travellers to the city and the region.”
The proposal faces opposition from green groups, which claim it would contradict Leeds City Council’s climate emergency policy and increase CO2 emissions.
Leeds’ five MPs, who all represent the Labour Party, also object on environmental grounds.
There have also been almost 2,000 public objections, including more than from 100 people with a HG post code.
If approved next week, the redeveloped terminal building could open in 2024.