Heathrow reveals shortlisted sites for offsite construction centres

Heathrow Airport has announced the 18 shortlisted sites that remain in the running to become offsite construction centres and help deliver the expanded airport

The shortlisted sites all vary in size, location and age. They have made it to this stage due to a strong base of local support, their area’s thriving supply chain, convenient connectivity links and the potential to tap into a skilled workforce.

The shortlisted sites have been selected from a long list of 65, all of which were visited during a nationwide tour which concluded in the summer of 2018.

In the autumn, the 18 shortlisted sites will have the opportunity to pitch to the airport’s bosses for their chance to become one of the final four construction centres, to be announced early next year, ahead of work starting in 2021.

The final four sites will become offsite construction centres that will help to deliver Heathrow’s new runway bringing jobs and economic opportunities to every corner of the country as Heathrow looks to construct as much of the expanded airport offsite as possible.

Emma Gilthorpe, Heathrow’s executive director for expansion said: “Our expansion plans are progressing apace and continue to be refined thanks to feedback from a wide range of stakeholders.

“Heathrow is as committed as ever to creating a plan that delivers for every corner of the UK. Logistics hubs are key to achieving that. This innovative approach will be more cost effective, efficient and sustainable, helping to unlock much-needed capacity quickly and responsibly.

“Logistics hubs are also integral to harnessing the skills the UK needs post-Brexit. We are working with other major infrastructure projects to see if they might also benefit from these hubs, creating a bright, new future for the UK’s construction sector. One in which we’re better utilising new technology and offsite techniques to spread the benefits of major projects like expansion nationwide.”

Claire Walker, co-executive director at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), added: “A strong skills base and high-performing infrastructure network are vital to securing the UK’s economic future in the long-term.

“We are pleased that Heathrow is consulting with so many business communities from the Chamber of Commerce Network to ensure that its expansion plans can benefit the whole of the country.”