Foster + Partners, Halcrow and Volterra, the team behind the Thames Hub proposal, welcomed reports yesterday that the government will be considering a Thames Estuary Airport when it launches its consultation to discuss options for retaining the UK’s aviation hub status. The proposal, which includes a comprehensive environmental management strategy, is capable of being privately funded and built within 16 years. Estimations for the capital costs include: a new £20 billion, 150 million passenger estuary airport; £20 billion, four track orbital rail line and utilities spine; £6 billion barrier crossing and tidal power generation that will power the airport with green energy; and an additional £4 billion for improving infrastructure.
On behalf of the team, Norman Foster stated, “We welcome reports that the government is considering the case for an estuary airport, and the extra airport capacity that it can provide, when it consults in March on options for retaining the UK’s aviation hub status as part of the nation’s aviation strategy.”
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“We are committed to working with government and wider industry stakeholders to put in place the transport connections Britain needs to encourage growth, job creation and trade with the rest of the world, particularly the emerging economies. This is an opportunity to reassert Britain’s role as a global hub and an international gateway.”
“We are aware that there is some confusion between our Thames Hub vision and the Mayor of London’s Shivering Sands proposals, which have become known as ‘Boris’ Island”, continues Foster.
“The Mayor has expressed his support for the Thames Hub proposal, as have Douglas Oakervee and Bridget Rosewell, who developed the Boris Island proposals, and who are now part of the Thames Hub team.”
“We believe that the economic case for the Thames Hub is compelling as Britain is already losing out to expanding European hubs. Our proposal comprehensively addresses the infrastructure needed to maximize the advantages of a new airport. The Thames Hub and proposed new airport project is part of a wider UK-wide initiative to bring together rail, freight logistics, aviation, energy generation and transmission, flood protection and regional development. It will shift more movement of goods to rail and reduce congestion on our road systems. Recognizing the synergies between these different strands, it reaps many benefits and economies from their integration.”
Previous reports regarding the Thames Hub proposal on ArchDaily:
- Foster + Partners chosen for Thames Estuary Airport
- Foster + Partners Launch Proposals for Thames Hub
- Update: Foster + Partners reveal developments for Thames Hub Proposal
- Update: Foster + Partners Thames Hub proposal faces opposition
The Foster + Partners and Halcrow Thames Hub vision is supported by:
- Renowned economist Bridget Rosewell, chairman of Volterra Consulting and founder member of The Thames Estuary Research and Development Company (TESTRAD)
- Douglas Oakervee, former chairman of CrossRail, who led the construction of Hong Kong’s new Chek Lap Kok airport on reclaimed land and was a founder member of The Thames Estuary Research and Development Company (TESTRAD).
Reference: Foster + Partners
