UK. London Gatwick Airport is promising passengers “a host of new features” as the £10 million transformation to its North Terminal gets underway. They will include substantial new retail and food & beverage options.
The project – the first overhaul of the terminal’s departure lounge since 1988 – is scheduled to be completed in early 2024.
The airport pledged to provide passengers with a more personalised experience – linked to the airport’s new branding and vision (see our story here) – and a relaxing place to spend time, “better reflecting London Gatwick’s status as a major international airport”.
The modernised departure lounge will feature new flooring and contemporary seating. All seats will have accessible power points, located in differentiated ‘mood zones’.
A sustainable planting scheme will be undertaken inside the terminal and local artworks will also adorn the facility.
The airport said improved sightlines and wayfinding, including a new orientation zone with bespoke digital artwork and content, will make it easier for passengers to experience everything the departure lounge has to offer.
Several new retailers and restaurants, including British brands The Breakfast Club and BrewDog, will open this year.
They will follow the recent opening of new WHSmith concept curi.o.city (see our on location story here), which offers gifts and souvenirs from a range of regional, London-based and global brands, such as Cambridge Gin, Biscuiteers, Kew Gardens, ZSL London Zoo and Harry Potter.
London Gatwick Airport Retail Director Rachel Bulford said: “The redevelopment of our North Terminal is aligned with our refreshed brand and vision. The new features and layout will make the space easier for our passengers to find their way around and ensure they have a more enjoyable and efficient journey through the departure lounge.
“The varied seating areas, charging points and pleasant environment will also give passengers the freedom to spend more time doing what they want, whether they’re looking for a space to relax before their flight, do some shopping, sit down for a meal, or send some last-minute emails.
“It’s important that we create a unique Sense of Place for our passengers, not only through our retail and restaurant provision, but also the look and feel of the departure lounge. We want to recognise Gatwick’s location as a London airport, while also celebrating being in the heart of the South East and all the fantastic things the region has to offer.”
The North Terminal redevelopment is part of a wider multi-million-pound development programme, which includes investment in the Gatwick train station, and further modernisation and expansion across the airport. 
