Kirkwall airport refurbishment work completed six months ahead of schedule

The Air Traffic Control Tower at Kirkwall Airport, Orkney, will continue to direct more than 14,600 planes landing and taking off from the island thanks to the completion of vital improvements to the structure.

The four-storey tower to the south east of Kirkwall Airport has received almost £500,000 of investment over the last three years to improve the lifespan of the structure and overall performance of the building. Phase two of this work has now completed.

Perfect Circle was selected to survey the tower and design remedial works through our Built Environment Consultancy Services (BECS) framework after its building surveyors successfully led the refurbishment of glazing to Sumburgh Air Traffic Control Tower, Shetland, in 2017.

Keith continued, "Outside of normal operational hours the airport is in a continued state of readiness to support out of hours air ambulance and coastguard services. Alfred Flett, Bell Contracts, Perfect Circle and Kirkwall Airport staff worked collaboratively to overcome these challenges while maintaining airport operations and deliver this transformational project."

The team carried out a full survey of the tower, followed by a feasibility study and designs for the refurbishment of the building.

Phase two saw the tanking and waterproofing of the basement level to prevent any groundwater entering the building from the surrounding peat land. Internal services were also upgraded with new heating system to offices and welfare facilities and the internal finishes were also upgraded, including replacement floorcoverings, redecoration and replacement ceiling tiles. This, along with the work done during phase one, has extended the tower’s use by 25 years.

Construction was made challenging by the need for the tower to operate safely throughout the duration of the works. This required a clear field of vision for air traffic control officers to coordinate a safe and orderly flow of air traffic.

Phase One works completed in September 2018, providing a contemporary external finish and a sustainable project in which existing materials were re-used and had their lifespan extended. Where new materials were utilised, such as glazing, the most energy efficient materials were used while being in full compliance with Civil Aviation Authority regulations.

The investment in Kirkwall Air Traffic Control Tower has contributed to the local economy - with more than five local contractors and sub-contractors from Orkney being employed during phase one and two of the works – as well as creating a comfortable working environment for all that use the facility.