Transformational public transport project tops out at Bristol Airport

Griffiths Farrans JV has marked its topping out milestone on a transformational public transport project at Bristol Airport. 

The topping out milestone comes as levels one to three are complete with level four nearing completion. Mechanical and electrical installations are taking place on levels zero to two and specialist vehicle restraint systems are also progressing on levels one and two.

The public transport interchange and multi-storey car park is part of Bristol Airport’s largest capital project ever. The £60m investment will enhance services and accessibility for customers arriving or departing from Bristol Airport. 

The project, which will include an improved internal road network, will provide access for coaches, buses and other forms of public transport on the top level of the multi-storey car park, more than doubling the number of bus/coach bays to 16 bays and enabling the Airport to be one of the region’s largest bus/coach interchanges.

Image: The Griffiths Farrans JV team celebrating the topping out of the new public transport interchange at Bristol Airport

The multi-storey car park will provide customer enhancements such as over 2,000 spaces; state of the art technology; blue badge parking; waiting rooms and rest facilities. It will adjoin the existing multi-storey car park. The top level of the car park will also provide a dedicated Drop Off and Pick-up location for family, friends or taxis and a new gateway for all customers, with ease of access to the terminal via a glazed pedestrian bridge link on the same level. 

Andrew Goodenough, Infrastructure Director, Bristol Airport said: “This is an important milestone, as we are a significant step closer to opening one of the region’s largest Public Transport Interchanges next summer, which will offer even more sustainable travel options to the Airport. I’m pleased to say we have recycled over 100,000 tonnes of material on site and aim to have no disposal off site at all. It’s also great that T level students have been involved in the project too, as we are committed to supporting young people, both now and in the future. We’re delighted that this complex project, which also managed to trial Volvo’s zero-exhaust emission EC230 electric excavator, in collaboration with Chepstow Plant, is on track with minimum impact on operations, due to close coordination with Griffiths Farrans JV, who are a longstanding partner in the Airport’s development.”

Glenn Gilmore, Regional Director, Griffiths Farrans JV, said: “We are pleased with the progress which has been made on this important project at Bristol Airport. The aviation sector always brings unique challenges for construction projects, including the successful integration of the building services with the existing airport infrastructure, constrained site logistics and the co-ordination of the various project stakeholders, which Griffiths Farrans has extensive experience of managing. To have achieved the topping out milestone on time and in line with our programme is a testament to the collaborative approach which has been taken by our team and our client. We look forward to entering 2025 with the same momentum to push forward to completion.”  

Ian Grimstead, Operations Director, Griffiths Farrans JV, said: “Reaching the topping out milestone is a testament to the dedication and skill of everyone involved. This achievement marks a significant step forward, bringing us closer to delivering a transformative piece of infrastructure that will benefit the Airport’s customers considerably. We are incredibly proud of the progress made and grateful for the collaboration and support of stakeholders, local residents and our workforce.”