Farrells, a London-based architectural firm established by Sir Terry Farrell, has unveiled its latest design plans for a dual runway at London Gatwick Airport. The plans have been released ahead of the Airports Commission’s impending recommendation regarding the location of the UK’s next runway.
In the designs, Farrell has depicted London Gatwick as being the world’s most efficient dual-runway airport, with a newly designed terminal that allows passengers to reach the boarding gates within 30 minutes of reaching the airport.
Commenting on the designs, Farrell said, “Our proposals for Gatwick are not just for another runway, but an entirely new world class airport for London and the UK. Heathrow cannot deliver that.
“Our vision for Gatwick is that it becomes the world’s most efficient two runway airport – flexible and responsive to meet the changing needs of passengers and airlines. With an elegant and simple terminal layout, we have designed a direct and straightforward route from curbside to plane, creating a seamless passenger experience. Queues have literally been designed out, and the new terminal will be simple and convenient to use with minimal changes of level. The airfield itself will also offer the shortest taxiing distances possible with the new apron sitting between, and in close-proximity to, both the existing and new runways.
“By providing a second runway at Gatwick, we will create a much more balanced system of infrastructure, and capitalize on the integrated connectivity we already have in London. It will positively affect the whole of the UK’s infrastructure, and build on the power of networks. A second runway would turbocharge economic growth in the South East and do for south London what the Olympics did for east London.”
Stewart Wingate, CEO for Gatwick, said, “Britain desperately needs more airport capacity and after decades of delay, it is decision time. Gatwick’s plans offer a blueprint for another world-class airport for the UK and the only deliverable option to finally fix the capacity crunch.
“Our plans are simpler, cheaper, faster and quieter while also helping create a more competitive network of UK airports that every passenger can benefit from.
“In a lengthy, complex debate, Gatwick has remained the simple, obvious solution throughout – it is time we are given the green light to deliver the new runway the UK needs.”