Firstco have been appointed by Costain as systems integrator for the specialist systems work across the programme; these systems involve security, wireless communications and operational systems as well as innovative work managing the new forecourt facility. The four man Firstco team, headed up by Adam Anderson, will deliver user requirements, design and testing/integration documentation as part of this work, as well as project managing the installation/updates of these systems. Costain have been appointed Complex Build Integrator for the North Terminal Forecourt and North Terminal Interchange projects.

As part of London Gatwick Airport’s ongoing capital improvement strategy, Gatwick Airport Ltd are undertaking a major development project, the North Terminal landside redevelopment (NTLR). Works have been split into four sub projects:

• NTI North Terminal Interchange – Inter Terminal Transit interchange replacing the existing ITTS Station
• NTF North Terminal Forecourt – the existing forecourt will be moved to the opposite side of the NTI to improve security and new improved forecourt for passengers
• NTX North Terminal Extension – a multi-storey extension to the south and a single storey extension to the east of the terminal building to create greater way-finding space, two new check-in zones and new baggage reclaim belts
• MSCP6 multi-storey car park 6 – a new car park next to the NTI

The timescales for these works are challenging. NTI and NTF projects are scheduled to be completed in a six month window starting in October 2009 and to be completed in March 2010. The NTX and MSCP6 projects should be complete at the end of 2011. With a projected spend of £133 million this is no small investment for Gatwick Airport, which in addition to ongoing capital works, is currently in the middle of a divestment programme to separate the airport from BAA and enable its sale and hand-over to new owners.