Last week’s announcement of investment at Heathrow, ahead of the proposed third runway, has been welcomed by our experts – along with hopes the Western Rail Link can go ahead.
Members of our Editorial Board welcomed the news of the airport’s privately-funded Gateway to Growth investment programme. And some argue the long-awaited Western Rail Link to Heathrow (WRLtH) – more than 12 years in planning but currently shelved – should support the expansion.
Nigel Horton-Baker, chief executive of REDA, said: “Heathrow provides a vital impetus to power Reading’s globally-focused economy and REDA welcomes the news that further investment will upgrade terminal buildings, enhance passenger experience and lay the groundwork for an expansion that will keep Heathrow as the world-leading airport.
“It is no accident that Reading has been an extremely attractive location for international businesses for decades with 235 currently based in the Reading area. The likes of Microsoft, PepsiCo, Sanofi and Reading’s new film studios see Reading’s location in the Thames Valley, close to Heathrow, as a key factor for basing themselves here.
“Last month’s Centre for Cities report ranked Reading second only to London for the size of its exporting base with an export value of goods and services per worker of over £140,000. The international technology, science and financial services sectors underpin that performance, enabled by an airport that facilitates fast and easy international business.
“As part of this huge investment in Heathrow, REDA urges the Government and Network Rail to support the Western Rail Link which would reduce journey times from Reading to Heathrow to 26 minutes, have a direct impact on growing the Reading economy and reduce the environmental impact of road-based journeys to Heathrow from the whole of the South West of England.”
Mike Righton, managing partner, Thames Valley for Rider Levitt Bucknall, said: “An investment of this scale at Heathrow is excellent to see and will certainly positively impact the construction market within the region and various supply chains.
“The commitment to use British steel in line with the UK steel charter is also very encouraging and should be welcomed to support economic growth in the UK.
“Very much looking forward to seeing the plans later this year with regards to the potential third runway and it will also be interesting to hear the response from the various stakeholders including the airlines themselves, some of which seem to have cast doubt on the 100 per cent private funding model that has been proposed.
“Whether this latest investment programme and recent announcement regarding the third runway means that we will see the plans re-merge for the rail link between the Great Western mainline and Heathrow remains to be seen but hopefully so.”
Mervyn McFarland, planning director, South East for Turley, said: “Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye’s comment that delivering the project will require ‘Churchillian resolve’ is undoubtedly true. Previous governments have failed in that regard.
“The current Government appears to be putting relevant strategies in place. However it will be no mean feat to join the dots of its planning reform proposals, its industrial strategy, its integrated national transport strategy and its sustainable aviation fuel mandate, and to find a way to square the circle on its climate and net zero commitments. All of these will be required if the project is to succeed.
“Leaving aside the overarching question of whether the expansion and the addition of a third runway are the best option from an environmental, aviation strategy or value-for-money perspective, the scale of opportunity and benefits for the regional and national economy are huge.
“There was no mention of the Western Rail Link, which should be put back on the table given the Chancellor’s claims around the expansion making Britain the world’s best-connected place to do business.”
Michael Garvey MBE, managing director of Chandler Garvey, said: “For too long the UK has struggled with progressing major infrastructure projects and, whilst any proposals need to balance economy with environment, the expansion of Heathrow will have clear economic benefits for the UK as a whole and help keep us competitive as a global economy open for business.
“Despite the clear technological advancement with AI in the fifth Industrial Revolution, we still need physical transport systems fit for purpose. Speed of decision making is essential to send a clear message that the UK is still a global power.
“The investment at Heathrow is a catalyst that should be fully exploited with other complementary investments in property and technology. “
Danielle Simpson, sales director for Pye Homes, said: “As a housebuilder with developments close to the M4 corridor, Pye Homes is in a great position to benefit from the planned expansion at Heathrow Airport.
“A growing number of buyers in the area are from overseas, attracted to the South East by the reputation and quality of the private schools, coupled with the convenient proximity of the airport.
“This latest expansion could see that number of buyers and investors grow even more considerably over the next few years.”
Karen Jones, partner for Blandy & Blandy, said: “Heathrow expansion can only be a good thing for Reading and the wider South East economy.
“With luck the relevant DCO consents can be in place, smoothly measured against the Airports National Policy Statement. The environmental safeguards will be key to heading off vehement objections, likely to be lodged on multiple fronts.
“If history repeats, local opposition may include the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, previous objectors to expansion proposals.
“And, on previous form, that council will not be shy of judicial proceedings to challenge any decisions it objects to and where it believes it has grounds to do so.”
Guy Parkes, partner at Vail Williams, said: “We welcome that the Government’s commitment to a third runway at Heathrow is now being underpinned by multi-billion pounds of private investment.
“This investment is key, not just to getting the project off the ground, but also to securing the project’s future and unlocking its economic benefits. From making the Thames Valley region more attractive to investors and international businesses to creating tens of thousands of jobs and driving demand for logistics, offices, and residential property – a third runway promises to unlock economic potential that could transform the region.
“It’s also key for keeping Heathrow, competitive and attractive for investment compared to other major international airports. Currently, Heathrow operates at near capacity compared to other major European airports, giving it less flexibility, and making it less attractive to international businesses – particularly those reliant on freight.
“However, despite this investment Heathrow’s third runway could still take many years – potentially decades. The Government’s announcement, whilst positive, needs to be followed up with an action plan and timeline, upon which businesses can plan and rely.
“Questions remain too about what support there may be for the infrastructure that will be needed to support this growth – particularly when it comes to industrial land supply, energy demands, and planning restrictions.”
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