The reconstruction of a Luton airport multi-storey car park destroyed in a blaze six months ago will not be completed until late next year.
More than 60% of the car park has been dismantled and three quarters of the 1,300 vehicles affected have been removed by salvage experts on behalf of insurers.
Clearance of the structure is on track and is expected to be completed next month.
The rebuild of the four-storey car park will begin later this year once the final stage of the structure’s dismantling is complete and the remaining vehicles are removed.
Almost 800 tonnes of metal from the demolition process has been taken for recycling so far, and all concrete waste crushed and reused as hardcore fill “wherever possible”.
The new car park will have capacity for 1,940 vehicles and feature a ground level drop-off zone to provide passenger drop-off, collection, and parking options.
It will incorporate a fire suppressant system in addition to meet all current fire and safety regulatory requirements, according to the airport.
“When completed in late 2025, London Luton airport’s short-term car parking capacity will be restored to approximately 4,000 vehicles,” a statement said.
A temporary drop-off zone closer to the terminal is being developed and is expected to open this summer at the airport, which handled more than 16.2 million passengers last year.
In the interim, a free drop-off and pick-up zone continues to operate from the airport’s mid-stay car park – a short walk to the terminal building with a frequent shuttle bus service.
Airport chief executive Alberto Martin said: “The dismantling of the car park has been a precise and painstaking process, and its proximity to passengers, buildings, aircraft and the Luton DART railway station has added to the project’s complexity.
“At the same time, we are working hard to deliver a number of passenger enhancements, including a second premium passenger lounge, several new restaurants and a spectacular mezzanine bar and diner.
“The airport is also on track to complete a £20 million refurbishment of the security hall this summer featuring state-of-the art scanner technology to speed up security processing times, ensuring a simple and friendly passenger experience for everyone passing through the airport.”