Arup has been selected by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to oversee a ‘vision plan’ for the future redevelopment of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
Arup will deliver on this project in partnership with architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
The master planner is to put together a “comprehensive development strategy and blueprint to accommodate future growth and demand, improve the travel experience and identify opportunities for enhancing the sustainability and resiliency of the facility”. The strategy is also to include local community outreach and participation.
“Today’s announcement reflects our ongoing and determined progress toward the transformation of Newark Liberty International Airport.
“Well on its way to transitioning from vision to reality, this overhaul will produce the world-class facilities befitting of one of the most pivotal transportation hubs in the world. By selecting internationally renowned firms Arup and SOM to oversee the Newark vision plan, the Port Authority has demonstrated its intent to help Newark Liberty reach its maximum potential for the benefit of all New Jersey residents and visitors.”
Arup and SOM will analyse the airport’s existing capacity and provide a comprehensive framework to meet projected passenger and cargo growth between now and 2065. The two companies will oversee architectural, planning, engineering and business development services for Newark Liberty. They will take into account both the short and long-term impacts of the pandemic on the airport’s travel volumes and customer demands.
“The Port Authority is driving a $30 billion investment in transforming the region’s airports into a network of modern, world-class gateways.
“The vision plan for Newark will guide its transformation into a 21st century best-in-class global hub, and the selection of these two world-renowned firms will help us advance that vision.”
The planners won’t just look at the airport itself. They will examine how the economic value of the airport to the region can be improved, by increasing job creation and economic opportunities in the area.
They will further develop strategies for more operationally efficient parking facilities, road access and the potential creation of new ground transportation centre facilities. The individuals conducting the study will also be tasked with identifying new cutting-edge technology resources to improve the customer experience and wayfinding.
Newark Liberty International Airport is undergoing a comprehensive redevelopment with three large-scale projects currently in progress, totalling roughly 5.3 billion USD in public and private investment.
One of them is a new Terminal A is set to open later in 2022, currently being in the final stages of construction. It will measure one million square feet in size and is the largest design-build project in New Jersey history. The new Terminal A will replace the existing, but outdated one and include a new roadway access network and additional parking at the front of the terminal.
Prior to the pandemic, Newark Liberty was the 12th-busiest airport by total passenger numbers in the US, with 33 airlines operating from it.
