Manchester Airport to tender for ATC tower

The international airport has confirmed the construction of a new air traffic control tower, which it claims will be the second tallest in the UK.

The project will replace the current air traffic control facilities and the new tower will be located adjacent to the north fire station and is expected to be complete in 2013.

Manchester Airport said the scheme is within the early stages and still has not gone out to tender. The airport declined to disclose the project cost when contacted by Place but said it will be a "multi-million pound" scheme.

The airport said it is set to stand at 60 metres high and become an iconic building rivaling the Manchester big wheel. London Stanstead's ATC tower is amongst the tallest in the UK.

The current air traffic control centre at Manchester Airport, on top of the tower block, is 40 years old and will be reviewed as part of the renovating process.

At present, cameras are used by controllers to assist with the view to the furthest runway end.

The tower will house a new visual control room, an approach radar section and navigation, surveillance and communication equipment to ensure air traffic control can effectively service the long-term investment and future growth of the airport.

The new tower will be a stand alone, purpose built building, with the base of the building housing a new equipment centre and offices for air traffic control, which is carried out at Manchester by air traffic control company National Air Traffic Services.

Tim McDermott, Manchester Airport's operations director, said: "This new air traffic control tower will offer 21st century facilities that will be a fantastic new addition to the Manchester skyline. It will further strengthen our great relationship with NATS and I am very pleased to be working together to create what will be an iconic building."

NATS will manage the equipment and run the tower's 24-hour operation while Manchester Airport will own and maintain the building.