Passengers at London Gatwick will in two weeks find it much easier to get around, meaning less crowding and congestion.
Gatwick, located some 25 miles from London, will open a £25 million redevelopment on November 21, which Network Rail began in 2020. It was done as part of its net zero by 2030 plan.
Jonathan Pollard, the chief commercial officer at London Gatwick, said: “This bigger, better and brighter new station concourse will dramatically improve the experience for our passengers. The number of passengers getting to the airport by rail is growing steadily and now over 40 per cent use the train. This fantastic new, fully accessible station concourse will encourage even more passengers to come to the airport using sustainable public transport.”
What is changing at Gatwick?
The multimillion-pound revamp has brought in a whole range of benefits. These include:
- Doubling the available concourse space to the size of eight tennis courts – making it easier for passengers to move around, especially wheelchair users or those with luggage and pushchairs;
- The existing station concourse has been refurbished for those leaving the airport, with more room, new information screens, clear signs and extra ticket gates to help passengers pass through easily;
- New special assistance point – moved to the station entrance for ease, visibility and convenience – passengers can get help and support at special assistance point;
- Five big new lifts – Lift control buttons are embossed and have braille;
- Eight new escalators;
- Clear signage, new information screens, more ticket gates – making the transition from railway station to airport more seamless and efficient;
- Prismatic signage;
- Widening of platforms 5 and 6, enabling passengers to board and alight from trains faster and more safely
- Provision of induction loops at the special assistance point within the station and on ticket retail desks. An additional induction loop has been installed at the waiting shelter on platforms 5 and 6, providing increased access to CIS screen and announcements for deaf and hard of hearing passengers.
What about Gatwick's runways?
Beyond Gatwick station seeing dramatic changes, the airport will in two weeks complete the Northern Runway Project. This involves bringing a standby runway into regular use for departing flights alongside the existing main runway, which is 3,316 metres long.
In August it was given the green light for detailed examination by the Planning Inspectorate. Gatwick has said this low-impact plan will improve resilience, reduce delays, and provide a boost to the national and regional economy by supporting trade, tourism and new jobs.
At present, Gatwick is entering the examination stage and if plans are approved, construction could begin as early as 2025. It is thought that the runway could be operational by the end of the decade.
Stewart Wingate, the chief executive of Gatwick Airport, said: “The Northern Runway plan will help secure the long-term future of the airport and economic prosperity for thousands of families, businesses, and future generations across the region.
"The consultation and engagement activity over the past two years has been hugely valuable in shaping our plans to ensure they best meet the needs and requirements of local people, as well as our airlines, passengers and other stakeholders. We are confident that our plans are both economically and environmentally robust.”
