The seven-storied new ATC stands at a height of 34m, which, when it opens in 2013, will replace the 1939-built existing control tower at the old Elmdon Airport site. The new tower will house NATS, the airport’s air traffic control provider and will provide controllers with a clear view across the runway, terminal and piers, which will add to the safety of nine million passengers using the airport every year.
The tower is among the tallest unstayed control towers in the UK. In addition, the new tower is also undampened, which will create a stable operational structure which will protect air traffic operators and the NATS’s sensitive control equipment from the effects of movement.
The tower was constructed using an innovative technique, which does not require supporting steel frame. It has been constructed using slip form concrete process, which has rendered strength and stability to the tower.
The project team continuously poured for 12 days and used 16 prefabricated sided cab structure to build the tower. The cab structure at the top of the tower is highly secure with both physical and intelligent controls including access control, CCTV and engineered building security.
The cab of the tower boasts several advanced features, which consist of heated glass, which enables evaporation of the rainwater, offering a clear view to the control tower team at all point of time. Heating in the cab is provided by recycled heat. The cab also features advanced acoustics that ensure extreme quietness in the cab.
The building has highly efficient smoke control systems. The team has engineered the platforms at staged locations to increase safety in construction and maintenance. The building also includes improved safety and evacuation measures.
The project demonstrates Morgan Sindall’s commitment towards sustainable development. The project also achieved a positive ground recovery rate with no waste land remediation. Completion of construction of the tower triggers next stage of development, which involves equipping the tower with state-of-the-art avionics.
The scheme follows Morgan Sindall’s completion of Birmingham Airport’s £13 million ($20.2 million) One Terminal project in February 2011. The project saw the airport’s two terminals merged into one operation, featuring a large centralised passenger security search area, an enlarged meeting and greeting arrivals point and improved shops and restaurants.
