Stansted Airport Railway Station Transformation
Transformative modernisation creating automated ticket gates, enhanced staff facilities and improved passenger flow at this busy airport interchange.
Scope of Works
Our comprehensive delivery included:
Front-of-House Improvements:
Construction of a new Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) zone with bespoke service desk
Installation of blast-proof doors to enhance security
Implementation of three new Automatic Ticket Gatelines to replace manual ticket checking
Installation of platform blast-proof screens to bolster public safety
Introduction of new ticket lines for improved passenger flow
Comprehensive upgrade of station signage to enhance navigation
Complete refurbishment of public toilets, including male, female and accessible facilities
Back-of-House Enhancements:
Refurbishment and fit-out of staff offices and welfare areas
Modernisation of the station’s cash office with enhanced security features
Replacement of flooring, ceiling grid and tiles throughout
Installation of new wall tiling and skirting
Fitting of new light fixtures and repainting of walls
Refurbishment of internal doors
Technical Infrastructure:
Installation, testing and commissioning of new Telecoms and CCTV equipment
Enabling works to CCTV support structures
Upgrade of electrical power capacity in the Communications Equipment Room (CER)
Installation of new air conditioning systems to manage increased heat dissipation
High-level CMS containment installation with trays and trunking
New conduit systems fixed throughout all three gateline arrays
Location:
49 weeks from 12th July 2024
Project Value:
£1,656,091.90
Duration:
49 weeks from 12th July 2024
Client:
Abellio Greater Anglia Ltd
Contract:
Transport UK East Anglia Limited Agreement for Works of Simple Content (including Design)
The Challenge:
The project presented several significant challenges, primarily the need to maintain full operational capacity throughout the works in an extremely busy international airport environment. With constant passenger flow and strict security requirements, all construction activities needed meticulous planning and phasing. The installation of new ticket gatelines required careful coordination to ensure continuous passenger access while transforming the station’s ticketing system from manual checks to automated gates.
Our Approach:
Recognising the critical nature of this transport interchange, we developed a carefully phased implementation strategy to maintain station operations throughout. Back-of-house refurbishment works were planned in three distinct phases to minimise disruption to Greater Anglia staff, while front-of-house improvements were coordinated around passenger flow patterns.
For security-critical elements such as the new Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) zone and blast-proof screens, we worked closely with airport security specialists to ensure all installations met the heightened safety requirements specific to airport environments. The existing coffee shop was strategically relocated before commencing work on the first gateline array, maintaining passenger amenities throughout.
Overcoming Challenges:
Working in a live airport environment required exceptional coordination and planning. We established clear demarcation between construction zones and passenger areas using robust temporary barriers. Strict security protocols were maintained throughout, with all materials and personnel subject to airport security screening.
The phased implementation approach for the back-of-house refurbishment minimised operational impact for station staff, allowing them to relocate to alternative areas while work was completed in their usual workspaces. For the ticket gateline installation, we carefully coordinated the transition from manual checking to automated systems, ensuring no disruption to passenger verification processes.
The technical integration of new CCTV and communications systems required careful planning to avoid disruption to existing security monitoring. By upgrading the air conditioning systems alongside the new equipment installation, we proactively addressed the increased heat load, preventing potential future operational issues.
Key Achievements:
This substantial transformation project delivered multiple benefits for both passengers and staff. The new automated ticket gatelines have significantly improved passenger flow, reducing congestion and queue times during peak periods. The modernised ticket office provides an inviting, efficient environment that prevents queue clashing between different passenger service points.
Staff now benefit from contemporary, well-designed workspaces and welfare facilities that enhance their working environment. The upgraded security infrastructure, including blast-proof elements and enhanced CCTV, has strengthened the station’s safety provisions, particularly important within an airport setting.
Through meticulous planning and phased implementation, we successfully delivered this complex project while maintaining full operational capacity throughout. The transformed station now offers an improved passenger experience that reflects the international status of Stansted Airport while providing the infrastructure necessary for future passenger growth.