Six months after the fire that destroyed one of LLA’s main car parks, the airport is moving ahead with a major reconstruction project that will begin once the final stage of the structure’s dismantling is complete and the remaining vehicles are removed.
More than 60% of the car park has now been dismantled and 75% of the 1,300 vehicles affected have been removed by salvage experts on behalf of insurers. Clearance of the structure is on track and is expected to complete next month.
A large quantity of material is being recycled, with over 790 tonnes of metal from the demolition process taken for recycling so far, and all concrete waste crushed and reused as hardcore fill wherever possible.
The rebuild of the new four-storey car park will start later this year. The replacement car park will accommodate 1,940 vehicles and feature a ground level drop-off zone to provide passenger drop-off, collection, and parking options. In addition to meeting all current fire and safety regulatory requirements, the new car park will incorporate a fire suppressant system.
When completed in late 2025, LLA’s short-term car parking capacity will be restored to approximately 4,000 vehicles.
As part of LLA’s ongoing efforts to further improve passenger access and convenience during the car park construction, a temporary drop-off zone closer to the terminal is being developed and is expected to open this summer. In the interim period, a free drop-off and pick-up zone continues to operate from LLA’s Mid-Stay car park, a short walk to the terminal building with a frequent shuttle bus service.
Alberto Martin, CEO of London Luton Airport, said: “The dismantling of the car park has been a precise and painstaking process, and its proximity to passengers, buildings, aircraft and the Luton DART railway station has added to the project’s complexity. At the same time, we are working hard to deliver a number of passenger enhancements, including a second premium passenger lounge, several new restaurants and a mezzanine bar and diner.
“The airport is also on track to complete a £20m refurbishment of the security hall this summer featuring state-of-the art scanner technology to speed up security processing times.”
