Tampa International Airport (TPA) has started the first phase of its massive expansion project in November 2014. The expansion is outlined in the 2012 Master Plan Update to prepare the airport for future growth opportunities.
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The expansion, which is being executed in three phases, includes multiple projects and will increase the airport’s current handling capacity of 17 million passengers to 34 million passengers a year.
Phase 1 will be completed by November 2017, whereas Phases 2 and 3 are scheduled for completion by 2023 and 2028 respectively. Phase 1 is expected to create 9,000 construction jobs and 1,100 permanent jobs and is forecast to have a $370m economic impact on the region.
Tampa Airport Phase 1 expansion details
The first phase has been designed based on the results from the 2012 Master Plan Update, which also emphasises the need to expand the main terminal as it is reaching its full capacity. The existing rental car facilities and the kerbsides at the long-term parking garage near the main terminal will be moved towards the entrance of the airport to provide space for the terminal expansion.
The shifting will create space for 2,400 parking slots and clear the terminal area by removing 2.7 million cars a year from sideways and roads.
The Phase 1 expansion also includes multiple projects such as a new consolidated rental car facility measuring 2.3 million square metres, a new 1.3-mile automated people mover, main terminal transfer level expansion and concessions redevelopment, and reconstruction of taxiway J Bridge.
Other improvements to support the south terminal area involve renovations of the airport’s entrance area for the potential construction of a hotel, office buildings, a gas station or other passenger and airport support services. The future developments will create an Aerotropolis, ensuring diversification of the airport’s revenues.
Tampa airport main terminal expansion details
The Tampa International Airport expansion will add more than 50,000ft² to the third-floor transfer level of the terminal building towards the east and west plaza decks. It will create approximately 15,000ft² of indoor public seating and large outdoor terraces. The existing shuttle enclosures and restaurants will be pushed towards the perimeters creating central space for new retail stores and lounge seating.
Other developments include the relocation of the shuttle car lobbies for Airsides A, C, E and F, remotion of previous Airside D shuttle lobby and additional restaurants and retail space in the airside and post-security areas.
The project also involves renovation of 20,000ft² space in the main terminal and in all the four airside buildings. The ticket and baggage claim area, way-finding signage, airport concession area, seating area and airside operations will be improved under the project.
Design features of main terminal and airsides redevelopment
The design for the renovation and expansion of the main passenger terminal was revealed in December 2014. The renovation is designed to transform the existing terminal into an open, spacious and airy terminal. The expanded terminal will have east and west facing curtain walls and metal panels to enhance its aesthetic appearance.
New shuttle stations will have glass entries, and restaurants as well as event spaces will be surrounded by privacy glasses to allow natural light into the space. The terminal will also include private work spaces for business travellers, green plant zones, family areas and art installations.
The JetBlue Terminal of JFK Airport is one of the first terminals in US to be built after 9/11.
Each airside will depict a distinct aspect of the Tampa Bay area including beeches, vibrant local and historic art sceneries and tropical vegetation.
Once completed, the terminal will offer increased space, improved sightlines and enough natural lighting, and provide a pleasant and customer-friendly environment.
Automated people mover station and rental car centre
An 85ft-high automated people mover station providing a spectacular view of downtown Tampa will be installed in the terminal.
According to the architects, TPA was the first to use automated people movers, and to use a hub-and-spoke plan in which passengers are shuttled from a central terminal to satellites.
A new rental car centre in collaboration with the automated people mover will reduce the walking times within the terminal and ensure convenience for the customers.
Passengers arriving at the airport will exit the people mover at the rental car centre where customer service counters are also located. Passengers who depart from the airport will get their baggage checked and get boarding passes at the rental car centre’s people mover station. The people mover will also stop at the economy parking garage, eliminating the need to board a bus to the main terminal.
Sustainable design
The expansion will incorporate sustainability initiatives that enforce the use of sustainable material such as rectified porcelain floor tiles and a non-slip surface, which is resistant to airborne sand. Perforated aluminium ceilings will be used for higher light reflection whereas bonded quartz walls will offer ease of cleaning and are more sustainable.
Architects for Tampa Airport Phase 1 expansion
The $122.5m project was designed by Swedish architect Skanska in collaboration with HOK, an architectural firm based in the US.
HOK provided building architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, lighting design and sustainable consulting services and will oversee an airport-wide art programme.
Investment on Tampa international terminal expansion
The total investment for Phase 1 is approximately $1bn, $318.7m of which will be allocated for the rental car facility, $417.5m for the automated people mover, $122.5m for the terminal expansion, $30.7m for taxiway construction and $21.4m for the south terminal support area improvements.
