LOCATION:
A multi-million pound extension of Portsmouth International Port’s passenger terminal to accommodate increased demand in the cruise market. The new facility is cutting-edge in environmental development, complementing the original terminal building and the port’s net zero ambitions.
The principal objective of the project was to increase passenger capacity by a further 250,000 annually, above the port’s previous two million. It has been designed and constructed primarily to accommodating the growing cruise market.
Our construction contract comprised:
- A two storey steel framed building.
- A two storey link, incorporating a sky garden to form a bridge between the terminal building and new extension.
- External works including surfacing for buses to service both terminals.
Features of the carbon neutral extension were:
- A sky garden, where passengers can enjoy views of the port.
- Underfloor heating powered by seawater.
- Energy generated by solar photovoltaics.
- A new walkway from the current terminal to the new check-in area.
- Interior living walls.
- A baggage hall and exclusive cruise lounge.
- External works including suitable pavement for buses to service both terminals.
Challenges
The works were completed in a live port environment in proximity to the public, with constraints in place to maintain the international border.
Portside works were carried out under permit.
Piling was at risk from unexploded ordnance.
Cost escalation and delays to programme.
Solutions
Closely working with the port, we ensured the safety of the public and maintained access throughout the programme.
We sureyed and pre-probed the pile line to ensure due diligence.
We placed orders for critical materials early and made use of the port’s berths to bring materials to site earlier than required to enable confidence in costs.
We carried out an early review of the design under a pre-construction services agreement to minimise costs and improve the programme while maintaining the integrity of the quality of finish demanded.
Outcome
The building came into first use ahead of the cruise season in the summer of 2023.
It features cutting-edge environmental engineering to complement the original terminal building and the port’s net zero ambitions. The port was the first in the UK to use seawater to heat and cool its buildings. Wind and solar technology and internal and external living walls purify the air. Solar photovoltaics were expanded to provide the port with an EPC A + rating of zero omissions.
