May 2011
The official launch of the new Passenger Terminal at Portsmouth International Port took place on Friday 13 May 2011. Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills opened the terminal which forms part of a £16.5 million investment across the port.
The new building replaces the outdated and outgrown terminal and has been designed to allow future expansion of existing services, whilst accommodating a growing cruise liner market. Inside the new terminal there is a generous double-height concourse with a mezzanine accommodating a bar/café and an observation balcony offering panoramic views across the port.
On behalf of Portsmouth City Council, the consultant team, led by Halcrow, with D5 Architects and Baqus, worked closely with the port to provide a building that fulfilled the brief and exceeded their expectations; from conceptual masterplanning, to detailed planning, procurement and construction management, through to operation of the complete facility.
Halcrow provided full structural, civil, mechanical, electrical and fire engineering design services plus BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) assessment for the terminal. Baqus Group plc, a national Construction Consultancy provided cost management throughout the project and lead construction work on site as the contract administrators.
D5 Architects were responsible for the architectural design of the terminal building and its interior, from concept to completion. The terminal’s design benefited from D5’s extensive experience in the aviation sector. The new building creates an airport style experience to meet ferry passengers increasing service expectations, whilst also making the terminal suitable for Portsmouth’s increasing and lucrative cruise liner business. The building has also been designed to encourage waiting passengers in the car marshalling areas out of their vehicles and into the building. Once within the building it was important that the interior was easy to navigate.
The arrangement of the open slatted ceiling to the main concourse acts as a navigation device, leading passengers from the east entrance to the first floor mezzanine, which is open to the concourse below, allowing the buildings functions to be displayed to all. Large areas of south facing glazing provide high levels of natural daylight combined with pools of light filtering through the ceiling from roof lights above, which further emphasises the buildings spine and primary route through, creating a dynamic visual effect.
A simple palette of durable, low maintenance, materials were chosen by D5, including the external marine grade aluminium and stainless steel with Jura limestone cladding. The design has also incorporated anti terrorism measures, whilst still remaining welcoming and transparent.
Ian Saunders, partner at D5 Architects LLP said:
‘We are delighted with the result of our close collaboration with Portsmouth International Port from the projects inception to completion on site. The building has met all the key objectives of the brief and our initial design concept. This exciting project reinforces Portsmouth’s position at the forefront of its market.’
The building fulfils the Client brief of providing a sustainable building reducing both its impact on the environment and the running costs. The new building is heated and cooled using thermal energy from seawater, achieving a 20 per cent reduction in its carbon emissions compared to a traditional boiler and chiller system. “Windcatchers” are located on the roof of the building to exploit the prevailing coastal winds to force fresh air down into the building. This avoids the need for electrical fan power so saving on running and maintenance costs and reducing associated carbon emissions. A revolutionary seawater heat exchanger takes heat from the sea to heat the building via underfloor heating. Seawater is also used to flush the toilets. These features amongst others helped the building achieve a BREEAM “Very Good” rating.
Halcrow’s Roland Asbridge said:
“Following a post-completion assessment, the terminal project will achieve a BREEAM Very Good rating. The site utilises the natural elements of the site, such as the wind and the seawater to help cool the building.”
The structure utilises 33 metre span mono-pitch roof trusses. These large clear spans provide the client with a space that provides complete flexibility for future operational changes. The trusses double up as a support to high level service gangways for routine maintenance, to allow the buildings mechanical and electrical systems to be serviced without interrupting the public concourse below. A bespoke substructure design was also required to accommodate old seawalls located within the ground as the new terminal is positioned partly on reclaimed land.
Baqus Group plc provided Cost Management and Contract Administration to Portsmouth International Port. Baqus is a national Construction Consultancy which offers Quantity Surveying/Cost Management, Project Management, CDM Co-ordination and other key Consultancy Services. The firm’s roots go back to the nineteenth century and it is experienced in every sector of the construction industry. Baqus Group is proud to have delivered this project on budget and on time, which ensured that the new terminal was open ready for the start of the 2011 season.
Clive Sayer, chief executive officer of Baqus Group plc said:
"Baqus has been delighted to play a key role in delivering this landmark project which demonstrates that major schemes can also be environmentally conscious."
The new terminal has been key to attracting more cruise ships to Portsmouth than ever before. All Leisure Group will be basing three ships at Portsmouth for its 2011 season, with other cruise companies making the historic port a destination for the first time this year.