The FINANCIAL — Phase two of Stansted Airport’s £80m investment to transform the terminal building and improve services and facilities for passengers was officially opened today by MAG Chief Executive, Charlie Cornish.
The latest phase of the departure lounge development is a contemporary, convenient and stylish space that is home to an exciting new line up of cafes, bars and restaurants and designed to offer passengers a wide range of options depending upon budget, appetite and taste, according to Stansted Airport.
The latest milestone in the Stansted transformation project follows the previous openings of a new, bigger security area and first phase of the retail upgrade, including a new flagship World Duty Free store and has created a further 300 full and part-time jobs at the airport.
The development of this new and exciting zone has created a real focus point in the passenger journey through the departure lounge and attracted significant interest from the food and beverage industry with over 70 tenders received for the 12 positions available including many airport firsts and brand new concepts. The new menu now officially unveiled at Stansted includes:
Brand new Windmill Pub – a £2.7million investment for JD Wetherspoon with an actual windmill centrepiece that rises through the bar to a new mezzanine level overlooking the airfield.
First ever James Martin Kitchen – a premium bakery offering fresh farm ingredients and highest quality baking.
The new luxury Cabin with fine wines and tempting menu of contemporary British delicacies.
Coast to Coast brings the all american dining experience – and is a first at any UK airport.
Halo adds champagne and sparkle and is a brand new concept developed especially for Stansted.
giraffe – the popular family favourite –offers a global menu of freshly prepared dishes in a friendly and lively atmosphere.
Starbucks – the global coffee brand not only opened a new store but chose it as the location to launch its first everStarbucks Evenings in the UK.
Leon – that prides itself on naturally fast food offers healthy options for travellers on the go.
itsu – with a low fat, low calorie menu that doesn’t compromise is another healthy offer.
Burger King – first UK airport to feature Coca Cola freestyle (over 125 custom Coca-Cola drinks)
Pret A Manger –firm favourite at Stansted for over 10 years and now with double the seating and a new spring menu due soon.
First airport Harris+Hoole – as part of its ambition to move into the aviation sector – the growing high street coffee chain chose Stansted as the location for its first ever airport shop.
Officially opening phase two, MAG Chief Executive Charlie Cornish said:
“The transformation of Stansted is one of the biggest developments in terms of scale that’s taken place at one of our airports under my leadership at MAG and I’m delighted to officially mark the opening of all our brand new cafes, bars and restaurants which I’m sure will really wow passengers and with many airport firsts and new industry concepts it is a really exciting line up.
“When MAG acquired Stansted we set a clear vision to transform the terminal and improve its facilites. Having returned the airport to growth and once again made it the fastest major growing airport in the UK with nearly 21 million passengers using the airport each year, and passenger numbers up 25% in March alone, the timing for this £80million investment in the terminal building couldn’t be timed better.”
Beth Brewster, MAG Retail Director commented:
“When we set about announcing details of this major transformation to the retail industry we knew we were about to work on something of major significance but not even I anticipated the buzz of excitement it would create amongst the industry.
“Over 70 tenders were received for the 12 cafe, bar and restaurant units available as part of phase two of this multi-million pound development. Narrowing down the strong competition to deliver a menu that provided a wide variety of choice based on taste, appetite and budget for our passengers is one of the best headaches I’ve ever dealt with, and a scenario that clearly demonstrates the exciting step change taking place at Stansted with so many leading brands wanting to secure their involvement.
“With many airport firsts, brand new concepts and the first celebrity chef appearance for Stansted this really has been an exciting development. It’s one I’m very proud to be part of and we look forward to announcing our partners for phase three of this multi million pound development in the not too distant future.”
Summary of the design:
Having extended the departure lounge by over 60% the new experience coming to life at Stansted is not just modern in design but creates more space, provides 70% more seating and through the installation of flight departure screens along all main thoroughfares and in all shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, passengers can relax in the knowledge they are never far from the latest flight information.
Harris + Hoole, the premium coffee chain, is located immediately after security by the entrance to World Duty Free, the flagship entrance to the new departure lounge experience, giving travellers the opportunity to stop and relax after security before continuing their journey.
Once through World Duty Free passengers are lead on an intuitive path that guides them with ease to either browse and experience the retail offer at leisure or continue onwards with their journey.
All the new cafes, bars, restaurants and general seating are strategically located in one dedicated area, near the exit points to all departure gates meaning passengers can not only make choices quickly depending upon their budget and taste but with real-time countdown information now installed on all the flight information screens, they can relax in this area knowing that they are as far along the journey as they can be until departure gates are announced. Free wi-fi for one hour and charging points are also readily available to help passengers prepare before taking flight.
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