Gleeds wins Birmingham airport jobs worth £75m

Gleeds has been appointed to two major projects for Birmingham airport worth a total of £75m.

The firm has been employed as cost manager for the procurement phase of the airport’s runway, and as project manager, cost manager and CDM co-ordinator for the construction of an air traffic control tower.

Works on the £65m runway will include a 450m extension with parallel taxiways to the south end, partial overlay to the existing runway and additional taxiways incorporating navigational aids, new lighting, drainage, and perimeter road and fencing.

While the airfield extension is being constructed, the Highway Authority will improve the road infrastructure on the east side of Birmingham. The plans include a 2km diversion of the A45 dual carriageway and associated parallel utilities including gas, electricity, water and communications.

The air traffic control tower on which Gleeds has been appointed project manager will be 37m high and will replace the existing 70 year old facility, enabling the airport to expand to meet future demand. It will cost around £10m to build.   

Stuart Senior, managing partner at Gleeds Nottingham, said: “Gleeds has extensive experience within the aviation sector and has previously delivered control towers for both East Midlands and John Lennon airports.

“The team has provided support to clients on projects both airside and landside and has a considerable knowledge of civil engineering works, so we feel well placed to handle this scheme.

“We are delighted to be involved with such a prestigious programme for Birmingham Airport, which should have a positive impact as the Midlands recovers from the recession.”