Turner & Townsend and AtkinsRéalis, have been appointed by Heathrow as expansion Portfolio Management Office (PMO) consultants – marking a significant milestone in the airport’s ambitious programme to expand and upgrade its infrastructure
The expansion PMO framework, initially set for five years with the option to extend for a further five years, will support Heathrow’s infrastructure expansion and development initiatives, including its recently government-backed third runway.
Once completed, the proposed 3,500m runway will unlock at least 30 new daily routes, serve up to 150m passengers and enable up to 756,000 flights per year, a £33bn investment to expand the airport.
To deliver the works a strategic joint partnership has been formed between Turner & Townsend and AtkinsRéalis, to provide a full range of programme and project management services to support Heathrow’s expansion plans.
The expansion works will cost an estimated £33bn
Heathrow Airport Limited’s expansion plans will realign the motorway underneath the new runway, at a cost of £1.5bn. The plans include an additional £12bn of associated terminal infrastructure, as well as the £21bn for the actual runway construction. The airport also intends £15bn of investment into existing airport facilities for upgrades and modernisation, which will go ahead regardless of the final planning decision on a third runway.
Speaking last November, a Heathrow Airport spokesperson claimed that: “It has never been more important or urgent to expand Heathrow, the UK’s hub airport; it is time to clear the way for take-off.”
Turner & Townsend and AtkinsRéalis are longtime collaborators on infrastructure projects
The collaboration will provide a transformational PMO supporting integrated delivery and controls, following other successful joint delivery projects such as TfL.
Donna Hayward, PMO director, Heathrow, said: “Heathrow expansion will unlock huge benefits for the country and our customers. We are pleased to appoint Turner & Townsend and AtkinsRéalis as we prepare our planning application for a vital upgrade to the UK’s gateway to growth.”
James Corrigan, managing director of Infrastructure, UK at Turner & Townsend, said: “We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership of over 30 years with Heathrow and to bring together the combined strengths of Turner & Townsend and AtkinsRéalis. This appointment is a testament to our commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure that supports Heathrow’s growth and benefits the wider UK economy.”
Mike Hunting, complex programmes director at AtkinsRéalis said: “Heathrow is embarking on a crucial growth journey which will not only improve passenger experience but create more connectivity and sustainable economic growth for the region.
“AtkinsRéalis, working together with Turner & Townsend, will bring more than two decades’ experience working with Heathrow and we are delighted to play a key role in enabling a world-class programme that is central to Heathrow’s future operations.”
