UK-based architectural firm Grimshaw Architects has been selected by London Heathrow Airport as the concept designer for the airport’s £16bn expansion.

The new appointment emphasises that Heathrow Airport is ready to undergo the infrastructure project that would boost the UK economy, and generate new jobs across the country.

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Heathrow Airport Design head Barry Weekes said: “We look forward to working with Grimshaw to develop their bold ideas so that once the government approves the Heathrow expansion, we can create a world-class sustainable hub airport which delivers for our passengers, our airlines and also helps to integrate Heathrow with our local communities.

“With the concept architect and programme client partners now in place, we are now ready to begin the process of expansion once the Government makes the right choice for the whole of Britain.”

"Our concept will deliver an outstanding passenger experience by building upon the airport’s rich history, while also setting a new standard for the future of aviation."

Grimshaw is said to have been chosen because of its new visionary concept designs and effective ideas for how Heathrow could be expanded in a sustainable and affordable way.

Grimshaw partner Andrew Thomas said: “We believe the expansion of Heathrow is vital to maintaining the UK’s place within the global economy and we look forward to developing a design that provides an authentic and uniquely British sense of place.

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“Our concept will deliver an outstanding passenger experience by building upon the airport’s rich history, while also setting a new standard for the future of aviation.”

Grimshaw produced a fly-through animation of its proposed new design for Heathrow’s central terminal area.


Image: Heathrow chooses Grimshaw for its visionary concept designs. Photo: courtesy of Heathrow Media Centre.

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