22.01.06
Dublin's new second terminal will be designed by two members of the engineering consortium responsible for Heathrow Airport's new Terminal Five (T5). Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has awarded the design contract to Arup Consulting Engineers, the local division of international engineering firm Ove Arup, in conjunction with architects Pascall and Watson, a London-based firm.
Ten separate bids were considered for the contract for the new terminal, which is expected to increase the airport's capacity from the current 18m passengers a year to 30m on completion in 2010. Based upon industry norms, the contract would be worth up to 10% of the estimated €200m cost of the new terminal, which the DAA plans to have operational in 2009.
The government gave the go-ahead for the second terminal last May, after a protracted political debate. The 538,000 sq ft building will be built to the south of the current terminal and is at the heart of the DAA's €1.2 billion, 10-year redevelopment of the airport complex.
The engineering and design consortium is currently engaged in building Terminal Five, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. Among other projects, Pascall and Watson has also been involved in redesigning Gatwick and Birmingham airports. DAA has a stake in the Birmingham airport.
Arup Consulting Engineers is one of the largest engineering practices in Ireland, employing about 380 staff in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. Its eclectic list of projects includes Trim Castle, the Guinness Storehouse, the UCD restaurant, the East Stand in Lansdowne Road, Blanchardstown town centre and the Civic Offices in Dublin.
The decision to award the contract to the consortium is believed to have been taken before Christmas. The DAA declined to comment.
