Heathrow Southern Railway Limited (HSRL) - the independent private sector venture set up to transform the rail network serving Britain’s busiest airport – has reacted to Wednesday’s announcement that Heathrow will be given the green light for expansion.
HSRL’s plan is to unlock vastly easier access to Heathrow Airport through the construction of up to 8 miles of new railway from the west end of the existing Terminal 5 station, linking with the railway lines coming out of London Waterloo.
When complete, the new railway will open up access to Heathrow from key locations by enabling trains to operate between Heathrow and London Waterloo via Clapham Junction, Putney, Hounslow, Twickenham, Richmond, Staines and other intermediate stations; and between Heathrow, Woking, Guildford, Farnborough and Basingstoke. Direct trains could operate to Heathrow from as far away as the south coast.
The new railway will also improve connectivity between Surrey and London for commuters, creating a new route from Basingstoke, Guildford and Woking via Heathrow Airport to Old Oak Common (for HS2 and the Elizabeth Line) and London Paddington. In addition, it would provide for an extension of the Elizabeth Line to Staines-upon-Thames.
The scheme will also deliver significant wider economic value to the area through better access to jobs and services.
HSRL Chair, Baroness Jo Valentine, said:
“The UK Government has set a bold agenda for growth with its support for a third runway at Heathrow Airport.
“Our railway enhances that growth by increasing connectivity and reducing surface emissions.”
These benefits accrue with a two runway airport but will be enhanced with an additional runway. We look forward to working with all partners to make this a reality.”
HSRL Chief Executive, Mark Livock, said:
“The new Government has expressed interest in finding ways to harness private sector finance in making the delivery of major infrastructure schemes more affordable. HSRL has a depth of experience in creating opportunities for private investment that could deliver tangible benefits to the UK, and Southern Rail Access to Heathrow would positively transform public transport connectivity to Europe's busiest airport.”
Image credit: iStock
