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Heathrow picks third runway designer as investors pledge £16bn funding

The debate over whether Heathrow or Gatwick should be granted permission to construct a new runway has continued to hot up as Heathrow Airport reveals what a theoretical third runway would look like.

Architects Grimshaw have been tasked by the airport to design how an expanded airport might look, after beating off competition from rival practices including Zaha Hadid, HOK and Benoy.

The designs, released today, are part of Heathrow’s attempts to win over the government, who are facing increasing pressure to come to a decision on the much-delayed project, by highlighting that the project is primed and ready to go.

Commenting on the new designs, Barry Weekes, who is Head of Design at Heathrow, said: “We look forward to working with Grimshaw to develop their bold ideas so that once the Government approves the Heathrow expansion, we can create a world-class sustainable hub airport which delivers for our passengers, our airlines and also helps to integrate Heathrow with our local communities.”

It comes as Heathrow also announces that it has £16bn stimulus package pledged by private investors, led by the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) in participation with six of the world’s leading investors.

USS has also sent a letter to the new Prime Minister, Theresa May, urging her new government to give the nod for a third runway at the hub airport.

Commenting on the letter, Heathrow Chief Executive Officer, John Holland-Kaye, said: “As USS state in the letter, the Prime Minister can send the strongest signal to the world that Britain is a confident, outward-looking nation that is open for business by expanding the UK’s biggest port and global gateway, Heathrow.

“At a time of uncertainty, a £16bn privately-funded infrastructure investment will create jobs and growth across the UK. We have a real opportunity to build a better future for communities across our country and help fulfil the Prime Minister’s vision for the UK.”

There has been a renewed impetus on the government to make a decision after the shape of May’s cabinet was confirmed last week, including the appointment of Chris Grayling as Transport Secretary who has pledged to come to a decision in the coming weeks.

Last week, Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, reaffirmed his support for an additional runway to be built at Gatwick Airport after it announced an additional £200m investment in transformation works.