The £184m job to replace Pier 1 is Gatwick’s largest capital investment since the change of ownership nearly three years ago.

Due to be opened in summer 2015, the new 25,000m² two-storey building will house a new baggage system and new gate-rooms for passengers, and will be linked to five new aircraft stands by air-bridges.

Internal space will be maximised with a slim mid floor, utilising a post tensioned concrete design.

Taxiways and existing aircraft aprons are being replaced over an area of 40,000m2, equivalent to the size of 4 football pitches.

Stewart Wingate, chief executive at London Gatwick, said: “Pier 1 has been in service since 1962, so the commencement of demolition works is a significant milestone in Gatwick’s on-going transformation.

“The new pier and baggage project will provide passengers with a new and much-improved experience from check-in, right through to the panoramic views down the runway that can be enjoyed while waiting for a flight.”