The scheme drawn up by the practice, dubbed Heathrow West, was submitted to the government today (31 July) by the Arora Group, an existing landowner at the major west London airport.
It claims its proposals will save on both costs and disruption.
Arora’s plans feature a shorter runway than earlier official proposals, drawn up by Grimshaw as part of stalled £14 billion plans for Heathrow Airport’s expansion, which the property group says will avoid building over the M25.
In addition to saving billions, Arora has suggested the shorter, 2,800m-long runway offers ‘faster delivery, reduced costs and improved environmental impact’ in comparison with a full-length 3,500m runway. This new runway could be fully operational by 2035, Arora claims.
The Heathrow West scheme includes a new terminal, Terminal 6, located west of the existing RSHP-designed Terminal 5. This would open in two phases, in 2036 and 2040.
Surinder Arora, founder and chairman of the Arora Group, said: ‘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.’
In July, chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the government’s backing for a third runway and expansion of Heathrow after previous legal challenges stalled the Grimshaw-designed scheme over climate concerns. However, this was overturned by the Supreme Court in December 2020.
Heathrow Airport has yet to formally submit its own expansion plans but those are expected to emerge either today or tomorrow. The AJ understands the airport has retained Grimshaw as architects on its proposition.
Both submissions follow the Department for Transport’s invitation for proposals for a third runway to be brought forward by this summer, which could be operational by 2035.
Heathrow Airport has been approached for comment.