Full Refurbishment and Recommissioning of Gatwick Airport’s Largest Pumping Station

We were appointed by Aura Construction to deliver the mechanical, electrical, and controls works for Pumping Station 8—Gatwick Airport North Terminal’s largest pumping station. This critical infrastructure handles all waste flows from the Pier 5 facility and surrounding hotels into the domestic sewer system.

The goal: to fully refurbish and recommission the station, which had been non-operational due to design issues since 2018. We were selected as the sole-source contractor, responsible for around 75% of the project’s £1 million contract value. All works are being delivered by our in-house Projects and Engineering Division.

Pumping Station 8 (PS8) is the largest and most critical pumping station at Gatwick Airport, servicing Pier 5 in the North Terminal and managing all wastewater from the adjacent hotels. Originally decommissioned in 2018 due to design flaws, PS8 had been operating under a temporary over-pumping system. Willow Pumps was contracted by Aura Construction to carry out a comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and control systems refurbishment—delivering a complete overhaul of PS8’s infrastructure in one of the UK’s busiest and most security-sensitive environments.

Mechanical Works

• Reconfiguration of 12” pipework in high-risk confined space areas
• Installation of new pumps and associated pipework
• Integration of air release valves and commissioning of full discharge system
• Full testing of all valves, pumps, and mechanical systems

Electrical & Control Systems

• Design and build of new ATEX-rated Motor Control Centres (MCC)
• New PLC and telemetry system designed and installed in conjunction with Wicks Controls
• Installation of emergency lighting, isolators, and fibre optic connections
• Full commissioning and certification of all electrical systems

BMS and SCADA Integration

• Development of a new kiosk for local control
• Ethernet-enabled PLC system for remote monitoring and control of pipeline pressure and valves
• Software upgrades for existing PS8 PLC and HMI interfaces
• Integration with Gatwick Airport Limited (GAL) fibre network

Civils and Infrastructure

• Groundworks for kiosk foundations, duct installations, and trenching
• Installation of Armco barriers and GRP kiosks
• Jet-blast protection and reinstatement of landscaping
• Pit and duct works for LV power and GAL IT fibre networks

Willow Pumps adhered to stringent client protocols and aviation standards throughout the project. This included:

• Enhanced DBS and airside training for all site personnel
• Confined space training and procedures
• Design work supported by client-provided CAD/Revit models
• Weekly progress reporting and strict RAMS approval protocols

• Security Clearance: All personnel underwent rigorous airside clearance procedures, which were coordinated efficiently to maintain the project schedule.
• Confined Space Operations: High-risk environments were carefully managed with confined space entry plans and safety systems.
• Tight Programme Delivery: Despite multiple design modifications, Willow Pumps delivered within the estimated 15-week programme.
• Interface with Airport Operations: All activities were carefully coordinated to avoid disruption to airport services and passenger flows.

Willow Pumps successfully delivered the PS8 refurbishment to the high standards expected by Gatwick Airport and Aura Construction. The pumping station is now fully operational with a robust, future-proofed system that integrates seamlessly with Gatwick’s network infrastructure. The completed system improves reliability, ensures regulatory compliance, and eliminates the need for temporary over-pumping, significantly reducing operating costs and environmental risk.

• Duration: 15 Weeks
• Personnel on Site: Site Supervisors, H&S Personnel, Multiple specialist engineers across M&E, Controls, and Civils
• Confined Space Entries: 30+ controlled entries
• ATEX Compliance: Achieved across all electrical installations
• Pumping Capacity Restored: 100%

Need a reliable partner for your next infrastructure or drainage project? We deliver tailored MEICA and civils solutions across sectors including aviation, construction, highways, ports, and utilities. Call us now on 01634 201 111.