Mace Consult to manage Luton Airport expansion
The firm will partner with Arcadis to increase airport capacity and create thousands of jobs.
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Mace Consult has been appointed by Luton Rising to oversee the expansion of London Luton Airport. The firm will provide programme, project, cost, and commercial management services for the development. This appointment follows the programme receiving government approval in August 2025.
Increased Capacity and Economic Impact
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Working in partnership with Arcadis, Mace Consult will be responsible for establishing the programme schedule, systems, controls, and decision-making frameworks necessary for the airport's growth. The objective is to increase the airport's capacity to accommodate up to 32 million passengers annually. This expansion is anticipated to create as many as 11,000 jobs and contribute £1.5 billion to the annual economic activity in the region, as reported by New Civil Engineer.
The services Mace Consult will provide under the contract include programme integration and planning, design management, commercial assurance, risk management, stakeholder engagement, advice on obtaining necessary consents, and information management. Luton Rising, a company owned by Luton Council, described the growth programme as one of the UK's most socially impactful airport developments.
Expertise in Delivery
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Martyn Court, Mace Consult's head of mobility for Europe, stated that the appointment reflects the firm's capability to manage complexity and bring clarity to the project. He added that by combining the strengths of Mace and Arcadis, they will implement systems, controls, processes, and governance to support informed decision-making by Luton Rising. Court also noted that the approach will align with the wider programme vision, aiming to unlock lasting economic, social, and environmental value for Luton and the surrounding area.
David Pyle, Luton Rising's DCO implementation director, called the appointment a significant step forward. He highlighted that the growth programme, which received consent from the Secretary of State for Transport in 2025, is now at a stage where specialist expertise is needed to ensure the consented growth is delivered as soon as possible. Pyle expressed anticipation for Mace Consult's role within the integrated multi-disciplinary programme team, supporting the design and implementation processes.
Questions this report answers
+What is Mace Consult's role in the London Luton Airport expansion?
Mace Consult has been appointed by Luton Rising to manage the airport's growth programme. They will provide programme, project, cost, and commercial management services, working with Arcadis to increase the airport's capacity.
+How much will the airport's capacity increase?
The expansion programme aims to increase London Luton Airport's capacity to accommodate up to 32 million passengers annually. This is a significant increase from its current operational levels.
+What economic benefits are expected from the expansion?
The growth programme is projected to create up to 11,000 new jobs. It is also expected to generate approximately £1.5 billion in annual economic activity for Luton and the wider region.
+When did the growth programme receive government approval?
The growth programme for London Luton Airport received its approval from the government in August 2025. This consent was a prerequisite for moving forward with the management and expansion plans.
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