An alien metropolis or the solution to London’s transport problems?
- Plan by architects Gensler, includes four runways tethered to the sea bed
- Gensler says new runways could be floated in – allowing for expansion
- It is claimed London Mayor Boris Johnson has seen the proposal
It looks like an alien mothership - but it could be London’s new airport.
That’s according to a major global architecture firm who have unveiled their vision for a ‘Boris Island’ airport in the Thames Estuary.
The London Britannia Airport, designed by architects Gensler, includes four floating runways tethered to the sea bed.
Gensler says new runways could be floated in as required – allowing for future expansion to accommodate six landing strips.
Passengers would check in and arrive at terminals on the land.
Two would be located to the north and south of the estuary and a third central London terminal is proposed between Canary Wharf and the Olympic Park.
The Evening Standard reported today that London Mayor Boris Johnson, who in the past backed proposals for a Thames island airport, dubbed ‘Boris Island’, has seen the Gensler proposal.
A spokesman for the Mayor said: ‘This will form, along with other significant submissions, an important part of discussions going forward.’
