Manchester Airport, Terminal 2 – UK

The Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MAN-TP) is a £1.3 billion investment to deliver a world-class Terminal 2 experience for passengers across the North of England.

Phase 2, currently in its final stages, focuses on refurbishing the original Terminal 2 building and connecting it seamlessly with the new extension that opened in 2021. The work includes a new security hall, Pier 2, and expanded retail and dining areas — all delivered while the airport remains fully operational.

As part of this ambitious phase, Rapid-EPS supplied Double Height Steel Frame Posts and Rapid Panels via Martifer Group, providing engineered edge protection solutions to ensure safe working at height during complex façade and mezzanine works.

Project Overview

Rapid-EPS’s Role & Edge Protection Contribution

Products Supplied

• Double Height Steel Frame Posts — providing extended reach and rigidity for edge protection across high façade and mezzanine zones.
• Rapid Panels — lightweight, modular guard panels integrating with posts to create continuous, compliant perimeter protection.
• Telescopic Guardrails — triple telescopic guardrails were also deployed to maintain a compliant edge protection system when Rapid Panels were temporarily removed for follow-on façade or finishing works.

Together, these systems ensured safe access and protection at height while supporting the project’s demanding construction sequence and safety standards.

Collaboration

Rapid-EPS supplied equipment in coordination with Martifer Group’s façade and structural schedule, aligning deliveries with key milestones. The modularity of Rapid-EPS systems allowed quick installation, removal, and repositioning — ensuring uninterrupted progress within a live airport environment

Challenges & Solutions

Challenge 1 — Operating in a live airport environment
Refurbishment had to proceed without impacting daily passenger movements or flight operations.
→ Rapid-EPS systems offered fast, tool-free installation and easy repositioning, keeping construction areas secure while minimising disruption.

Challenge 2 — Multi-level geometry and double-height façades
The refurbishment involved elevated walkways, façade sections, and variable slab heights.
→ The Double Height Steel Frame Post provided the extra reach and stability required for safe edge protection in these areas.

Challenge 3 — Integration with existing terminal extension
New works had to connect seamlessly with the 2021 extension, combining new and existing structures.
→ Rapid-EPS’s adaptable components integrated easily with mixed materials and edge details, maintaining consistent protection across phases.

Why It Matters

Phase 2 of the Terminal 2 programme is redefining passenger experience and operational efficiency for the North of England. For Rapid-EPS, participation in this stage demonstrates:

• Proven capability to operate within live, high-security environments.
• Adaptability across complex, multi-level structures.
• Trusted collaboration with global contractors such as Martifer Group.

Quick Facts

• The new security hall, featuring ten advanced lanes, opened in 2025 as a major milestone.
• Pier 2 will add new gates and departure capacity, improving passenger flow and airfield efficiency.
• When Phase 2 completes later in 2025, Terminal 2 will handle more than 30 million passengers per year.

Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 Transformation shows how large-scale refurbishment can balance innovation, safety, and passenger experience — all within a live, international airport setting.

Rapid-EPS is proud to have supported Martifer Group in delivering safe, compliant, and efficient edge protection throughout this landmark project.

Learn more about our Double Height Steel Frame Post and Rapid Panels, or contact Rapid-EPS to discuss engineered edge protection for complex projects.