Architectural award for Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2

Manchester Airport’s new Terminal 2 building, part of the hub’s £1.3 billion transformation, has been the recipient of a prestigious architectural award.

The design of the terminal was described as ‘inspiring’ by judges of the airports category in the prestigious Prix Versailles. Designed by architects Pascall+Watson, Terminal 2 opened in 2021 and was judged part of the 2022 cohort for the prize. The awards were launched in 2015, with judging criteria including innovation, creativity, reflection on local, natural and cultural heritage and ecological efficiency.

Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary General of the Prix Versailles, said: 

“Manchester Airport today joins the World’s Most Beautiful Airports List thanks to the remarkable architectural work on Terminal 2 and recognised during the 2022 edition of the Prix Versailles. 

“Focusing on the purity of lines and a perfectly mastered interior design, the airport combines lightness and conviviality. Inspiring.”

Julian Carlson, Pascall+Watson Director, said: 

“We are delighted that the collaborative efforts of Pascall+Watson and the MAG Team in designing and executing Manchester Airport’s new Terminal 2 have been acknowledged by Prix Versailles. 

“This transformation project has allowed us to create a modern aesthetic while revitalising and expanding existing facilities for future use. 

“Terminal 2 not only enhances the passenger experience but has also been successfully completed within an active operational airport environment.” 

The architectural award for Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 comes as progress continues on thenext phase of the hub’s £1.3 billion transformation project. Since work began in 2015, more than one million hours have been clocked up by workers at the site. The latest phase of development will nearly double current capacity at the terminal, with 80% of passengers at the airport using it by 2025.

More than 500 jobs will be created in the construction alone, while independent analysis shows that around 16,400 extra jobs will be generated by 2040, as a result of the economic activity stimulated by the expansion.

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: 

“We’re proud to serve the people of the North, not only by connecting them to the world via a route network unrivalled by any UK airport outside London – but also by offering them an airport experience that matches any major international capital city. 

“The Prix Versailles naming Terminal 2 as one of the most beautiful airport terminals in the world is recognition of the hard work and expertise that has gone into creating a truly world-leading facility for the people of the region. 

“And the most exciting thing is that we’re not even finished yet. More than 1million working hours have gone into the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme so far but there’s much more to come. 

“We’re moving into phase two now and over an epic 18 months between now and 2025 we’ll see work finish on the project. By that time, around 80% of our passengers will go through Terminal 2 so while many may not have experienced it yet, the chances are you will do in future.”