New rail hub proposed for Heathrow

A mainline station could link Heathrow Airport to the national rail network and Europe, in a proposal put forth by Arup.

The civil engineering consultants are seeking high-level political support to build a station on the Great Western main line to make the airport accessible to the west, the south-west, Wales and the Midlands.

It proposes direct services from the airport to Birmingham, Oxford and Cardiff.

Arup director Mark Bostock told the Financial Times it could be further expanded to reduce travel times between Heathrow and Leeds and Manchester to only two hours.

Construction of the station would include 12 platforms built between the existing West Drayton and Iver stations and a twin 24km high-speed track built in tunnels to join the existing high speed line above King’s Cross-St Pancras.

It could also include check-in and baggage facilities and replace a possible sixth terminal building proposed to accompany a third runway at Heathrow.