Construction of new railway station building begins at Gatwick Airport

Construction works on a new station building have commenced at London Gatwick Airport in the UK.

The works are part of a £150m project that seeks to improve accessibility and reduce overcrowding at the station by delivering a bigger and better-equipped facility by 2023.

UK Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “I am pleased to see this project reach another important milestone, which will transform this vital transport hub as people return to our railways.

“Once completed, the expanded modern station will be an impressive gateway to Global Britain, improving accessibility and enhancing the passenger experience to and from Gatwick.”

The project is managed by Network Rail in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT) and Govia Thameslink Railway, while Costain is delivering the works.

Overall, the work programme includes doubling the size of the station concourse, revamping existing concourse and construction of a new staff building.

The scope of works also includes the widening of platforms 5 and 6, as well as installation of new escalators, lifts and stairways to improve accessibility and support passengers with reduced mobility.

Network Rail Southern region investment director Paul Harwood said: “We know that fewer passengers are travelling by train or plane, but we are continuing to invest for the future.

“By 2023, passengers arriving at Gatwick will see wider platforms, with more space for them, more lifts and escalators and the crowning achievement – a new concourse over some of our tracks.”

DfT has invested £110m for the project works while Gatwick Airport and Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership contributed £37m and £10m respectively.