WH Smith Refit Birmingham Airport

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