WH Smith Refit Birmingham Airport
Structural engineering that performs - in theatres, airports, and live event spaces across the UK.
A £2 million refit in a live airport terminal comes with real pressure - tight deadlines, high expectations, and no room for delays. Our job was to make sure the structural side never slowed anything down.
Pedro Barata
Structural Engineer
WH Smith Refit Birmingham Airport
Airport Retail
Structural design support for WHSmith’s largest travel store to date
MJ Consulting Engineers was proud to support the £2 million refit of WHSmith’s flagship store at Birmingham Airport - a 6,000 sq ft retail space designed to elevate the travel retail experience. Opened on 16 November, the project was delivered in collaboration with Bond Project Services and Brookerflynn Architects Ltd.
Our Role
MJC provided full structural design and consultancy services, including comprehensive site surveys and design coordination. Working closely with the project team, we supported the redevelopment of the unit to ensure a buildable, compliant solution that reflected both client ambitions and airport delivery standards.
The Store
As WHSmith’s largest travel store, the new unit combines retail functionality with a striking design inspired by Birmingham’s local architecture. Key features include:
6,000 sq ft of retail space with zoned areas for travel essentials, tech, health and beauty
Bespoke LED fascia for clear navigation and strong visual impact
Energy-efficient systems, including eco-friendly chillers, supporting the airport’s sustainability goals
The structural design had to accommodate varied interior zones, signage fixings, equipment loads, and coordination with mechanical and electrical systems - all within a tight programme and a live airside environment.
A New Benchmark for Travel Retail
This flagship store sets a new standard for WHSmith, offering a seamless shopping experience tailored to modern airport passengers. MJC’s involvement reflects our continued focus on delivering structural solutions that are efficient, adaptable, and sensitive to both branding and operational needs.
Photo credit: SSP Group
LIVE EveNTS
STAGE DESIGN
Working in theatres and live venues means there’s no room for error - and that’s where MJC stands out. We’re known in the industry for being calm under pressure, clear on site, and dependable from first sketch to final sign-off. It’s why so many production teams come back to us.
Tom Jeffcoat
Structural Engineer, MJ Consulting Engineers
Yes - with offices in London and Manchester and a network of experienced engineers, we deliver structural engineering solutions for theatres and performance venues throughout the UK.
Absolutely; heritage venues are a core part of our expertise. We balance preservation requirements with structural upgrades to support modern rigging, lighting, and performance demands.
Yes - from temporary structures and roof trims to signage and production rigging, we engineer solutions that deliver safety, compliance, and speed for live show environments .
Extensive - we've completed projects at Heathrow T2, T5, Gatwick, Birmingham Airport and Liverpool John Moore Airport, delivering bespoke structural designs that meet tight schedules and live-site requirements .
Yes - we perform ceiling void, roof, rigging point, and structural inspections to assess condition and readiness for production use or fit-out modifications .
Our teams are accustomed to fast-paced schedules. We’re regularly brought into projects during show rehearsals or airport closures - and we deliver reliable structural solutions under time pressure.
We work closely with architects, venue owners, contractors, production teams, and heritage bodies to ensure structural integrity, adherence to regulations, and build-ready details.
Yes, typically within 5 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about working with MJC - how we work, where we work, and what we deliver.
Structural Support That Performs On Stage and On Site
From listed theatres and concert halls to airport concessions and live venues, we bring practical structural engineering to complex environments. Whether you're planning a refurbishment, fitting out a retail unit, or navigating venue constraints, we’ll help you make it buildable - and make it happen.