Project Principles and Objectives
Gate House 5 is the primary vehicle access point into the critical part of the airport and the only access point for refuelling tankers. The existing facility had outlived its useful life and was no longer fit for purpose.
LLA sought a specialist design and build contractor to develop an existing concept design through to installation and operational handover of a new fit-for-purpose two-storey facility. Works were to be delivered in such a way as to minimise disruption to the operation by use of a temporary gatehouse or similar for the duration.
Project Works
The biggest challenge faced by Ryebridge Construction was replacing the airport security gatehouse without closing the access gate it serves as it was the only airside access point for fuel lorries.
Diverting fuel lorries to other gates was not an option because as they operate solely on a private road they don’t have road licences.
LLA originally proposed a traditionally constructed building, but Ryebridge realised that not only would this require approximately 12 sub-contractors - all of whom would need security clearance - but there just wasn’t enough space to store necessary materials.
In addition to this, the work would have been subject to inclement weather and would have taken several months to complete. The solution was a modular building constructed in eight components off site and then craned into place over the course of one weekend.
Most of the fit-out, including the kitchen and toilets, had already been done by modular company Texo, so it was just a case of slotting it into position over the groundworks Ryebridge had completed in advance.
Meanwhile, in order to allow for the demolition and removal of the original, not-fit-for-purpose gatehouse, a temporary facility was installed on the other side of the access road, allowing it to remain open throughout the course of the project.
The resulting two-level gatehouse is completely security compliant and CAA approved, and also offers more comfortable surroundings for staff, including extra toilet facilities and a shared space for them to use on downtime.
Innovation and Best Practice (VE)
By using a modular construction we provided an eight-week saving on the project, and minimised disruption to the operational demands of this busy gatehouse.
The project was secured by competitive tender and was delivered on time and to budget.
