After decades of debate, Heathrow Airport has submitted its detailed expansion proposal to the government, aiming to deliver a fully operational third runway by 2035. The idea of adding a third runway to the UK’s busiest airport has been a recurring political battleground since the early 2000s. The Labour government’s 2003 white paper, The Future of Air Transport, first backed the project, but since then it has been repeatedly approved, paused and revived. Former London mayor Boris Johnson famously vowed to block it, while current Labour leaders Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are openly supportive. London’s present mayor, Sadiq Khan, remains firmly opposed. Unlike HS2, which critics say was rushed into construction, Heathrow’s long delay has allowed for extensive planning. The government invited expansion proposals last winter, and Heathrow has now tabled a £48 billion vision. Key features include moving part of the M25 under the new runway and introducing major upgrades across the airport. Heathrow says it can build the third runway for £21 billion within 10 years, provided the government delivers the necessary policy changes and regulatory framework. The submitted blueprint outlines:• A north-western runway stretching up to 3,500 metres• Capacity for up to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers annually• A new ‘T5X’ terminal, expanded Terminal 2 facilities, and three satellite terminals The investment plan breaks down as follows:• £21 billion for the runway and airfield infrastructure (up from £14 billion in 2018 due to inflation)• £12 billion for the new T5X terminal and additional stands• £15 billion for upgrading existing terminals, including expanding Terminal 2 and eventually replacing Terminal 3 According to Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye, expansion is critical to the UK’s trade and connectivity. He said: “It has never been more important to expand Heathrow. We are operating at capacity, which is holding the country back. With government approval and a suitable regulatory model, we can begin work this year, driving investment and jobs across the UK.” If policy changes are agreed, Heathrow plans to begin public consultation next year, aiming to submit its formal planning application in 2028. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has been appointed to Transport for Greater Manchester’s recently announced £120m four-year professional services framework, as the city region delivers the next phase of its transport infrastructure programme. This includes the Bee Network, Metrolink, active travel (walking and cycling), and bus stops and stations across the city region. Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) Professional Services Framework, which comprises sixteen specialist lots, will fulfil the advisory requirement of the city region’s ambitious 2040 transport strategy. It will also ultimately help Greater Manchester to deliver the UK’s first fully integrated, zero-emission public transport network by 2030, following significant government funding. LSH has been appointed to a new Lot that covers Estates advisory. Estates advisory services that LSH will provide include strategic advice, valuation, lease advisory, rating, planning, land assembly, disposals, and development consultancy, in order to support the delivery of TfGM infrastructure projects within the city region. LSH’s appointment builds on the firm’s long history of working in the transport sector including transport projects in and around Manchester and the north of England. LSH clients include HS2, Northern Trains, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, LNER, Network Rail and West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Paul Shuker, Director (Planning, Regeneration and Infrastructure) at LSH, said: “Manchester is now widely recognised as one of the UK’s – and Europe’s – success stories when it comes to leveraging infrastructure – not only to accelerate growth, but also to unlock the city region’s potential, create new jobs and better connect our communities. “The latest pipeline of projects is set to bring even farther-reaching benefits – by making travel easier and more affordable; facilitating new Metrolink lines to key settlements; and supporting the delivery of new homes and employment areas. “We at LSH – and our specialist multi-disciplinary land, infrastructure, planning and regeneration teams – look forward to working with TfGM and other stakeholders. We are committed to supporting Greater Manchester’s 2040 vision to create a world class public transport system and deliver the Bee Network.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Rail enthusiasts heading to Alstom’s The Greatest Gathering event in Derby this weekend (1-3 August) will have the opportunity to see the concept designs for HS2’s Class 895 trains. HS2 is joining forces with rail industry representatives to take part in what is believed to be ‘The Greatest Gathering’ of historic and modern trains and rail-related exhibits. The event will take place at Alstom’s Derby Litchurch Lane Works, which will open its doors to the general public for the first time in almost 50 years. As part of the rail exhibition, focused on the future, visitors will be given the opportunity to book an exclusive tour of a life-size model carriage, which has been fitted out to illustrate the concept design for HS2’s Class 895 train. The show and tell opportunity showcases the ongoing intensive work between HS2 Ltd, the future high speed rail operator West Coast Partnership Development (WCPD), and the joint venture company building the fleet of high-speed trains, Hitachi-Alstom High Speed. James Dawson, HS2 Ltd’s senior rolling stock engineer said: “We’ve dedicated time and energy into understanding what matters most to people when they travel by train, and by listening and acting on feedback we can be confident that our interior designs will meet and exceed passengers’ needs. “These trains will run across Britain on high-speed and conventional lines for decades to come, so it’s important we get the fundamental design right, not just for today but also for the future.” The public has played a major role in shaping the initial design concepts. Twenty dedicated user groups and a consumer focus group of over 500 people have helped to inform the passenger experience programme of work led by WCPD. This is understood to be the most extensive user development exercise ever for a new train fleet built in the UK. New design features will help to ensure the train will be accessible and inclusive for all. Step free access at new HS2 stations, reprofiled grab handles, audio announcements and visual display screens in the toilet cubicles are just some of the positive changes being made. Customers travelling with mobility aids will also have greater freedom to select their seat and wheelchair users can expect equal provisions as found at all other seating on the train. Rigorous user testing has helped to define the design requirements to ensure the onboard facilities meet the needs of those travelling for work, leisure, as a solo passenger, or with friends and family.  The design features include: HS2 Ltd awarded the contracts to build Britain’s next generation of high-speed trains to the Hitachi-Alstom High Speed joint venture in 2021. The contracts, worth around £2bn, will provide a major boost to the UK’s rail manufacturing and supply chain sectors. The fleet of trains will be designed and built at three key UK sites – Derby, County Durham and Crewe. It is estimated that this will spearhead the creation of around 2,500 jobs in the Midlands and the North – including new apprenticeships. The trains will be maintained at the new HS2 depot in Washwood Heath, Birmingham. The bogies will be manufactured in Crewe, the bodyshell welding and electrical installation will be completed in County Durham, and the interior fit out will be completed at the Hitachi-Alstom High Speed joint venture facility in Derby. James Grundy, Project Director for Hitachi-Alstom High Speed, said: “As we progress towards delivering the next generation of high-speed trains for HS2, the feedback from passengers has been invaluable. Their insights have helped us develop and refine the design concept, to ensure that our trains not only meet but exceed expectations for accessibility, comfort and convenience. Engaging with a diverse range of future passengers, including those who may not typically consider train travel, has been crucial in shaping the features that will make a real difference to their experience. “Hitachi-Alstom High Speed is committed to putting passengers at the heart of every decision. Working with our stakeholders and closely with the public, we are confident that we’re creating a fleet of trains that will set a new standard for intercity travel in the UK. When HS2 is operational, this collaborative approach will underpin a transformative and stress-free journey for a wide range of people.” The all-electric trains will be designed to operate on both the HS2 network and the existing rail network – enabling HS2 trains to travel north towards Manchester, Liverpool, and Glasgow in the future. Capable of speeds of up to 225mph (360km/h), they will be amongst the quickest, quietest, and most energy efficient high-speed trains operating anywhere in the world. Detailed design works are continuing ahead of manufacturing of the exterior bodies. HS2 Ltd’s Chief Executive, Mark Wild, is leading a comprehensive reset of the HS2 project to ensure the railway can be delivered efficiently and to the lowest reasonable cost – timescales may therefore be subject to change. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

New figures released today by Midlands Connect and Natalie Fleet MP show that within three miles of Junction 28 of the M1, strategic companies collectively support over 43,000 jobs and generate more than £10.5 billion in annual turnover. Midlands Connect’s Roads Programme Lead, Swati Mittal, said investment in road upgrades could help ‘boost’ the area’s economic growth. Advanced Manufacturing and Retail are the dominant sectors, accounting for the largest shares of employment and economic output. This sector alone contributes over £1.6 billion in turnover and employs more than 10,000 people, highlighting the area’s role as a hub for manufacturing and supply chain activity. Retail also plays a major role, contributing nearly £6.7 billion in turnover and supporting 16,900 jobs, showing how the corridor also serves regional consumer markets. The concentration of logistics and business services shows the importance of fast, reliable links to the wider motorway network. This concentration of industry and retail sector hubs underscores the need for reliable connectivity to sustain business operations, freight logistics, and access to skilled labour. Data released today in May showed that by 2035, due to the economic success of the area, there could be 81,830 extra trips a week using Junction 28, even though the junction is at 107% capacity in the morning rush hour.  Midlands Connect, Roads Programme Lead, Swati Mittal, said: “With over 43,000 jobs and £10.5 billion turnover concentrated within just 3 miles, junction 28 enables national and international connectivity for key industries. “Investment to address congestion, improve journey reliability, and unlock capacity will support manufacturing competitiveness, supply chain efficiency, and enable planned growth in housing and employment in the region.” Bolsover MP Natalie Fleet, the Parliamentary Champion for Junction 28, said: “These figures show how critical making improvements at junction 28 is for employment and the economy. “People in Bolsover and beyond need to be able to travel to and from their jobs in this area without sitting in congestion and businesses need to get goods in and out of their sites without unnecessary delays. “I will continue to push for the improvements that we need.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Skanska has been appointed by National Highways to deliver a long-awaited upgrade to the A47 Thickthorn junction near Norwich, under a contract valued at £153 million. The junction, which links the A47 with the A11 south of the city, is a critical gateway to the region, serving routes towards Norfolk and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Long plagued by congestion, the site is now set for major redevelopment to support future residential and commercial growth. The scheme has faced a series of delays and rising costs. Initially estimated at between £50 million and £100 million, the price tag later surged to £161 million, leading to the termination of the previous contract with Galliford Try—also the contractor for two other A47 upgrades at Blofield to North Burlingham and North Tuddenham to Easton. All three projects were delayed by ultimately unsuccessful legal challenges. Now back on track, enabling works are under way, with full construction expected to commence in early 2026. The new junction is not expected to open to traffic until 2029. Once complete, it will include a 1.6km free-flow link road connecting the A11 northbound to the A47 eastbound via two new underpasses, alongside a 1km local link road joining Cantley Lane South with the B1172 Norwich Road. This local route will feature a modular bridge spanning the A11 and the new link road. The project also involves the creation of two new junctions on the local road network, the widening of the A47 westbound slip road, and the removal and replacement of an existing footbridge with a structure suitable for pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders. Skanska is partnering with consulting engineer Sweco to deliver the project, which will include five new structures and over 3km of utility diversions. At its peak, the scheme will employ more than 300 people. Andrew English, executive vice president at Skanska UK, said:“We have worked collaboratively with National Highways to develop the design and scheme budget to ensure it meets the overall cost envelope for the project. Our focus on cost, while ensuring we can deliver the full benefits of the scheme safely and on programme, has been key to our approach. It’s a great outcome that has been achieved as a result of our trusted working relationship with National Highways, developed over more than two decades. We’re now looking forward to moving into main construction, delivering these much-needed improvements that will generate long-lasting benefits for the region.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has reached another milestone as engineers complete five consecutive weekends of critical work between Leeds and York, that will support the electrification of the railway. Following overhead line equipment (OLE) mast installation earlier in the year, 7.5km of wiring has now been completed between Micklefield and Church Fenton, which will unlock faster, greener journeys in the future. Just to the east of this location, electric passenger services between York and Church Fenton are set to launch in the coming months, following last year’s successful switch-on between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge. In Cross Gates, Station Road bridge was also safely demolished and replaced so that OLE can be installed throughout the area. Around 750m of track was renewed between Killingbeck and Cross Gates, which will support smoother, more reliable travel. A new track crossover was also installed to allow trains to change from one line to another, which will enable the programme to keep more people moving on trains during a future stage of TRU delivery. Adam Sellers, senior sponsor for TRU, said: “This latest series of upgrades has taken us a step closer to the electrification of the route between York and Manchester. Wiring is now in place in the Barkston Ash area, whilst Cross Gates station can now facilitate the installation of OLE masts. “Work to deliver cleaner, greener services throughout this area will continue throughout the year, whilst attention also turns to the introduction of electric passenger services nearby, which is another huge milestone for the programme.” The delivery of these upgrades was made possible through a full closure of the line between Leeds and York, with close coordination between train operators including TransPennine Express and Northern. To keep passengers moving, diversionary routes and rail replacement buses were in operation across all five weekends. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A series of major transport schemes are set to begin this month as Kirklees Council gets ready to transform some of the districts’ key travel routes links in Dewsbury and Huddersfield. Kirklees Council secured over £60 million from the Transforming Cities Fund, which will be used to deliver an ambitious programme of transport improvements to make it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport, connecting communities to more jobs, training and education opportunities. From Monday 14 July, work is expected to start on the A638 Dewsbury to Cleckheaton Sustainable Travel Corridor. This vital route will link residents in Dewsbury, Heckmondwike and Cleckheaton to employment, education and healthcare, while strengthening links between Kirklees and Bradford. The scheme will prioritise pedestrian safety with new controlled crossings and provide better public transport provision with a new bus lane on Bradford Road, improving reliability and making public transport a more convenient and attractive alternative to driving. In addition, improvements are already underway on the Spen Valley Greenway enhancing accessibility, surface quality, lighting, signage and safety along the route. Later in July, the first phase of the Huddersfield Rail Station Connections scheme will get underway on Northumberland Street in Huddersfield Town Centre. Currently dominated by traffic and busy junctions, Northumberland Street is set for a major transformation and aims to bring the streets to life with high-quality paving, wider footways and improved cycle infrastructure, creating a more welcoming and accessible environment for all. After completion, Northumberland Street will benefit from improved traffic flow whilst prioritising pedestrians and inclusive access. With further upgrades planed for Trinity Street and St. John’s Road, the Huddersfield Rail Station Connections scheme will improve links between the towns rail and bus stations, supporting more sustainable and efficient journeys. Councillor Moses Crook, Deputy Leader of the council and Cabinet Member for Housing and Transport said: “It’s great to see spades in the ground on these really important transport schemes. “We understand that there will be some short term disruption, but once completed, these schemes are set to have lasting positive impacts, opening up better access to more education, employment and training opportunities across Kirklees and beyond. “The works in Dewsbury and Huddersfield will be carried out with minimum disruption and I’d like to encourage people to continue to visit our town centres and support our fantastic independent businesses.” To complete the projects efficiently and safety, traffic management will be in place at both sites. Details are available online at https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/transport-schemes. These schemes form part of the council’s wider vision to create healthy, vibrant town centres where people can live, work and relax. They complement major investments including Dewsbury and Huddersfield bus stations, Network Rail’s multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade as well as the ambitious Our Cultural Heart project, Grade II listed George Hotel and the towns historic open markets, demonstrating the council’s commitment to revitalising towns and villages across Kirklees. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Four-Year Framework To Create Better Connected Sustainable City Region CBRE has been appointed to a four-year framework designed to support the delivery of Greater Manchester’s ambitious transport vision, underpinning the region’s drive towards a better-connected, greener, and more sustainable city-region. The Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) Professional Services Framework is a comprehensive procurement vehicle designed to provide a wide range of transport-related consultancy services to TfGM and participating authorities across Greater Manchester.  Spanning sixteen specialist lots, the framework will play a pivotal role in delivering the Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040, which sets out a vision for “world-class connections that support long-term sustainable economic growth and access to opportunity for all.” CBRE is appointed on Lot 15 which covers Estates Advisory Services, supporting TfGM’s extensive programme of transport infrastructure projects. This includes the management and development of property assets, land assembly, and strategic advice to enable the delivery of new and improved transport facilities across the region. The appointment builds upon a long-standing relationship with TfGM, with CBRE playing a pivotal role in enabling Greater Manchester’s transport transformation, most notably through acquiring multiple bus depots to facilitate the Greater Manchester Bus Reform. As the UK’s largest regional economy outside London, Greater Manchester is at the forefront of transport innovation, with major initiatives such as the Bee Network – an integrated, London-style transport system under local control -set to transform how people travel.  TfGM is also leading the way in bringing bus services under local control, expanding the Metrolink tram system, and investing in the UK’s largest cycling and walking network. A key aspect of CBRE’s ongoing partnership with TfGM is its work in leveraging the organisation’s surplus land portfolio. Through innovative estates advisory and strategic asset management, we are helping to unlock the potential of these sites to deliver thousands of truly affordable, net zero new homes. This not only supports Greater Manchester’s housing ambitions but also aligns with the region’s commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth. Adam White, Executive Director at CBRE and Lead for the TfGM appointment, commented: “We are proud to be selected by Transport for Greater Manchester to provide Estates Advisory Services as part of this transformative framework. Greater Manchester is leading the way in delivering integrated, sustainable transport, and we look forward to working in partnership with TfGM and local authorities to unlock the full potential of their property assets. Our team brings deep experience in land assembly, development, and public sector collaboration, and we are committed to supporting the region’s vision for a cleaner, greener, and more connected future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Platforms which have long stood derelict could be brought back into use as early deliverables, thanks to Midlands Rail Hub.  Under the plans, backed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her recent spending review, a series of engineering interventions will be made throughout the Midlands to transform rail transport. At Kings Norton, the currently derelict island platform would be re-instated and a new passenger bridge linking back to the existing ticket hall, will be built as one of the first phases of the project. Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, met with Midlands Connect, Network Rail, Northfield MP, Laurence Turner, and Selly Oak MP, Al Carns, to discuss plans for the station upgrade and service improvements. Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, said: “More trains and better connections across the West Midlands and beyond will drive more jobs, more homes, and greener growth. That’s the future prosperity our region demands.” Under the plans, the Cross City line will see two extra trains, in each direction, per hour, which will create 5.4 million new seats each year. Redditch, Alvechurch and Barnt Green will see one extra train, in each direction, per hour and 2.7 million new seats for passengers, whilst Bromsgrove will see 4.7 million new seats. Midlands Rail Hub would also deliver a jobs boost as over the course of the project, more than 12,750 roles are expected to result from the programme. Midlands Connect Chief Executive, Maria Machancoses, said: “Midlands Rail Hub will allow train travel to be a first choice for many more people, and Kings Norton is at the heart of the project. “This station upgrade will allow more frequent trains, restoring the Cross City services and delivering a more reliable network for passengers.   “Government’s recent funding announcement is major step forward in our plans for Kings Norton, and the wider region. It is a commitment to transform rail travel for everyone.” Northfield MP, Laurence Turner, said: “An upgrade to Kings Norton station is at the heart of the Midlands Rail Hub project. We need these works to return to Cross-City trains an hour at Longbridge and Northfield as well as Kings Norton. “I’ve raised this project repeatedly in Parliament and I’m delighted that the Government are backing the campaign. “This investment will bring jobs and higher wages into the area and lead to less congested roads – this is really good news for south Birmingham’s economy.”Selly Oak MP, Al Carns, said: “I’m delighted that the Chancellor has backed investment in the Midlands Rail Hub in the recent Spending Review. This is fantastic news for South Birmingham. “These plans are a brilliant opportunity to boost connectivity on one of our key local railway lines. The proposed new timetable will undoubtedly improve public transport in the communities served by the Cross City line. “Better transport links means more opportunities to level up the economic and social life of our local communities. I am thrilled to see this investment in upgrading Kings Norton station and in our local commuter routes, and I know current and future users will benefit hugely from a better rail service on the line.” Denise Wetton, director for Network Rail’s Central route, said: “Midlands Rail Hub means better journeys for passengers today, and a future-proofed railway for tomorrow. “It will open the railway to new communities, and boost access to opportunities across the West Midlands. The government’s commitment is a huge boost and we are now working to confirm what work can be done and when.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals