Brand new air traffic control tower at Manchester Airport constructed in 9 days

The structure which cost £16 million is due to be used from 2013, was constructed through the use of a method of continuous concrete pouring.
The developer in charge of the project Morgan Sindall used the same construction technique that had been implemented in the construction of the renowned CN Tower in Toronto, which further illustrated the practical use of ready mixed concrete in major construction projects.
Furthermore, Morgan Sindall stated that the slip form process made it very easy for them to create the tower in such a short space of time.
The dedicated team consisting of 20 builders worked constantly for 222 hours, with the control tower growing in height at an average of 27cm an hour.
The team worked around the clock on a raised platform, crews dispersed 600 cubic metres of concentre and 65 tons of steel reinforcement to construct the tower.
“The completion of the slip form process is a key milestone for the project,” stated Andrew Harrison, chief operating officer for Manchester Airport.
“After three years of planning, it is fantastic to see the tower take shape and rise out of the ground to become an iconic landmark of local skyline. The amazing speed at which the tower has risen is testament to the outstanding work of the project team and we look forward to the completion early next year.”
The brand new structure will house controllers from NATA, the UK’s primary air traffic control company, who will move from their existing Manchester air traffic control centre next spring.
Furthermore, the new structure will also host new technology such as an approach radar section navigation, surveillance and communication tools.
The next part of the project contains plans to redevelop the ‘sub-cap’ unit which will play host to the new visual control room allowing for 360-degree panoramic views of the airfield.
To keep the public up to date with the project, Manchester Airport has published a time lapse video of the new control tower being constructed through its YouTube channel.
Manchester Airport is the largest airport outside London, with over 20 million passengers passing through its gates each year. The hub also hosts direct flights to over 220 destinations all over the world.