Alternative proposal revealed to deliver fully operational Heathrow third runway in a decade

An alternative Heathrow third runway plan has been confirmed on the deadline day for proposals to be submitted to government to expand the London hub.

 

A new wholly-owned company has been created by hotel company Arora Group to put forward the "cost efficient” solution. 

 

The development includes a new Terminal 6, located west of the existing Terminal 5, and a 2,800-metre runway - shorter than the two existing parallel runways which are both. ore than 3,500 metres long. 

 

The 200-page "costed proposal" and timeline describe the delivery of a fully operational runway by 2035, followed by Terminal 6 opened in two phases in 2036 and 2040.

 

The project is claimed to be “simpler and less disruptive”, enabling earlier delivery of new terminal capacity and avoiding the major disruption of building over the M25.

 

The so-called Heathrow West proposal, to be delivered to the Department for Transport today (Thursday), has been developed alongside Bechtel, which has delivered almost 200 airport projects globally.

 

It claims to involve reduced land take and lower disruption to local residents and businesses together with the potential for an integrated and expanded public transport hub, enabling higher levels of sustainable travel.

 

A primary benefits put forward are reduced risk and “spiralling cost” of a new runway by avoiding crossing the M25 motorway. 

 

Heathrow West pointed out that it has established management and logistics plans to streamline construction “and ensure we operate in the most effective, efficient and respectful manner possible”. 

 

These include an ‘outside-in’ phasing approach which reduces the construction footprint over time and which utilises multiple access points to the site to minimise disruption; and off-site fabrication and modularisation methods which will further minimise our construction footprint as less land will be required for onsite assembly.

 

“Heathrow West can be delivered within 10 years – with the vast majority of activity contained within the airport boundary,” a statement said.

                                               

The backers believe they have stronger business case than Heathrow’s own third runway plans, “delivering cost-efficiency benefits to passengers, freight-forwarders, retail businesses and airlines”.

 

Heathrow is also expected to make public its official third runway proposals later today (Thursday).

 

Arora Group chairman and founder Surinder Arora said: “After a decade working with our world leading design and delivery team, I am very proud that the Arora Group can finally unveil to the UK government our Heathrow West proposal, which directly meets and supports the United Kingdom’s primary objective of unlocking economic growth at the UK’s only hub airport, with a strong commitment of doing so on-budget and on-time.

 

“I am so proud to stand alongside Bechtel, and their record of delivering almost 200 airport projects, on these detailed plans. 

 

“The Heathrow West proposal delivers squarely on the secretary of state’s and Chancellor’s ambition to obtain planning permission by the end of this Parliament, with a fully operational runway by 2035.

 

“The Arora Group has a proven track record of delivering on time and on budget projects including in and around Heathrow airport. We are delighted that the government has taken a common sense approach to invite proposals from all interested parties for the very first time rather than granting exclusivity to the current airport operator, no matter its track record.”

 

Heathrow West chief executive Carlton Brown added: “The setting up of a wholly owned and dedicated business to an expanded Heathrow will enable us to dedicate the time and focus needed with a wide range of stakeholders, not least airlines, communities and business.

 

“Heathrow West will have a board that comprises members with proven track records in governance, finance, construction, aviation and sustainability. 

 

“Furthermore, Heathrow West will be committed to working with airlines to adapt its design to ensure it provides value for money and operational resilience, while promoting technological innovation.

 

“Ultimately, I want to see Heathrow help Britain become the best-connected nation in the world and facilitate the trade and inward investment our UK economy needs in order to compete with the rest of the world. 

 

“There is no reason as to why the UK’s only Hub cannot out compete not just its European rivals, but also Dubai, Singapore and others.”