Construction jobs boosted by Liverpool airport extension
Planned upgrades to Liverpool's John Lennon Airport should create jobs in construction, building and maintenance in Merseyside and the North-West.
As part of the planned expansion, the airport will upgrade its baggage handling facilities and increase the amount of available space for retailers in the terminal.
The expansion has been designed by Manchester based architect firm Leach Rhodes Walker. It aims to add 80,000 square feet to the airport, increasing the amount of retail space by 45%.
Last week it was announced that McClaren Construction has won the position of main contractor for the work. The £6 million deal will see work begin this December, with a target of completion by the end of next summer.
McLaren's chairman, Kevin Taylor, said that the job was part of the firm's strategy for "winning more work across the north of England". Recently the firm has opened an office in Warrington, to operate as a headquarters for strategic expansion in the North.
Taylor said: "The extension to Liverpool John Lennon is a prestigious scheme and we look forward to building this major project which will make a huge difference for the millions of passengers who use the airport every year"
Last month, nearby Manchester Airport also made an announcement which could boost construction recruitment in the north-west. Airport management is looking to turn a decommissioned control tower into an upmarket bar.
The five-story control tower, part of the newly refurbished Terminal One, is to have its upper floor transformed into a bar or restaurant which would have space for up to 100 diners. Although it is known that retail property specialists Milligan Retail have been tasked with selecting the winning tender, so far the contractor for the development has not been announced.