Pascall+Watson, a leading architectural practice, is proud to announce that its design for Manchester Airport's Terminal 2 has been recognised as one of the world's most beautiful airport terminals by the prestigious Prix Versailles. This international design and architecture award, recognised by UNESCO, highlights the practice's dedication to exceptional quality, innovation, and sustainability.

The new terminal, part of the £1.3bn Manchester Airport Transformation Programme, has been recognised in the airports category as judges called the design of the facility “inspiring”.

It opened in 2021 and was judged as part of the 2022 cohort for the Prix Versailles, the awards for which were announced this month.

Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary General of the Prix Versailles, said:

"Manchester Airport today joins the World's Most Beautiful Airports List thanks to the remarkable architectural work on Terminal 2 and recognised during the 2022 edition of the Prix Versailles.

“Focusing on the purity of lines and a perfectly mastered interior design, the airport combines lightness and conviviality. Inspiring."

Terminal 2's rejuvenation showcases Pascall+Watson's impeccable attention to detail and focus on crafting an inspiring space for passengers. Judges at Prix Versailles admired the terminal's "purity of lines and a perfectly mastered interior design".

James Rogers, Pascall+Watson Director, said:

“We are delighted, it’s been a wonderful experience and opportunity supporting Manchester Airport in realising their vision for the terminal and the facilities on offer here."

The completion of Terminal 2 is part of a larger £1.3bn Manchester Airport Transformation Programme. Pascall+Watson has worked diligently to provide passengers with an experience that rivals international capital cities. With more than one million working hours invested so far, this marks just the beginning of an exciting expansion project poised for completion by 2025.

Julian Carlson, Pascall+Watson Director, said:

“This transformation project has allowed us to create a modern aesthetic while revitalising and expanding existing facilities for future use. Terminal 2 not only enhances the passenger experience but has also been completed within an active operational airport environment.”

The next phase will see Terminal 2 expand to nearly double its current capacity meaning that by 2025 more than 80% of the airport’s passengers will use it.More than 500 jobs will be created in the construction alone, while independent analysis shows that around 16,400 extra jobs will be generated by 2040, as a result of the economic activity stimulated by the expansion.

Manchester Airport has also been shortlisted for the Best UK Airport in the annual Travel Weekly awards.This award further solidifies Pascall+Watson’s recognition as a leading architectural practice in designing contemporary airport facilities. With ongoing plans for transforming airports worldwide, Pascall+Watson remains at the forefront of aviation architecture innovation.

For further information, please contact:
Jaine Bolton
Head of Marketing + Communications
E:Jaine.bolton@pascalls.co.uk