Lift off for a third runway at Heathrow

This week the government announced the go-ahead for a third runway at London’s Heathrow Airport. Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world, and will be one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken. The decision came after an in-depth review by Sir Howard Davies that recommended Heathrow be expanded.

Earlier this year Mace was selected alongside Arup, CH2M and Turner & Townsend to work alongside the airport to deliver Heathrow’s expansion as the Programme Client Partner.

Before Tuesday's announcement, Mace had already been assisting Heathrow with the early scheme proposals and finding programme efficiencies. Now we will now be working across all aspects of the programme, and will ramp up our team to take overall accountability for the schedule. Construction is likely to start in 2020 and before that early activities will include setting up the PMO and supporting the Development Consent Order (DCO) process. 

The Expansion Programme will see the airport’s capacity expanded to 140 million passengers per year by 2040, add over £200bn in economic benefits to the UK economy, and create 10,000 new apprentices. As one of the UK’s largest single-site employers, the new development will also boost employment and training opportunities for the local community.  

Mark Reynolds, Mace's Chief Executive, said: "This announcement is the latest chapter in what has been a long partnership at Heathrow. From our first appointment in 1992, to the first runway since World War 2, our relationship is one of innovation, world-class delivery and impeccable safety records. It is a relationship that means a lot to me personally, and to know that we will be working closely with Heathrow once more to deliver such an important and high profile project is a fantastic result for all involved."

Jason Millett, COO - Major Programmes and Infrastructure said: "This is fantastic news for the UK. Not only will Heathrow's third runway mean an estimated £211bn boost of additional business and trade for the UK, but it will also create 180,000 skilled jobs across the country. The project's skills legacy will benefit young people and our industry for generations.  We have been working with Heathrow to develop a robust timetable for delivery to get spades in the ground as quickly as possible, giving a boost to the economy and international trade."