Arora Group has unveiled ambitious proposals for the expansion of Heathrow Airport.
Following the Department of Transport’s request for proposals to expand the airport, Arora Group has created a dedicated and wholly-owned company, Heathrow West Limited, which will work with delivery partner Bechtel.
The company’s proposal comprises a new modernised Terminal 6, located to the west of Terminal 5, and a shorter 2,800m runway, which will require less land. It also intends to use an ‘outside-in’ phasing approach and modern methods of construction to reduce the construction footprint of the project.
The Arora Group estimates the Heathrow West expansion can be delivered within 10 years with the vast majority of activity contained within the airport’s boundary.
Surinder Arora, founder and chairman of Arora Group, 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.
“I want the UK to succeed. To do this, the UK government’s Plan for Change needs to succeed and we want to play our part in order to make this happen. Our project will generate employment and skills training opportunities across every region of the UK.”
Carlton Brown, CEO of Heathrow West, 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.”
