Two Yorkshire sites in running to deliver Heathrow runway expansion

Two locations in Yorkshire have been shortlisted to become logistics hubs as part of the expansion of Heathrow Airport.

Dalton Airfield Industrial Estate near Thirsk, which is home to steel group Severfield, and the British Steel site in Scunthorpe have been named among the final 18 location in the running to help deliver a third runway for the airport.  

Heathrow said that the shortlisted sites “have showcased 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 sites have been selected from a list of 65, all of which were visited during a nationwide tour which concluded in the summer of 2018. This autumn, the 18 sites shortlisted will 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 across the UK.

Heathrow’s ongoing Business Summit series will also provide small businesses throughout the country the opportunity to become part of Heathrow’s supply chain ahead of expansion.

The 11 summits are spread throughout various regions and nations across the country, organised in conjunction with regional business groups such as Chambers of Commerce, LEPs and the FSB, giving hundreds of SMEs access to appointments with Heathrow’s suppliers.

Speaking at the BCC annual conference 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.

“We look forward to hearing more of these plans from Heathrow at the BCC Annual Conference.”