Lord Foster, chairman and founder of Foster + Partners, has launched
the proposals for the Thames Hub – an integrated vision for the UK.

http://preview.tinyurl.com/5r475vg
or:
http://www.halcrow.com/News/latest-n...es-Hub-vision/

Halcrow and world-leading architect Foster + Partners have been
collaborating on a self-funded study to produce a detailed vision for
the Thames Hub, comprising a new river barrier and crossing, and an
international airport, shipping and rail complex. The proposals
represent a holistic vision for infrastructure development in Britain.

The plans also include a ‘spine’ which combines energy, communications
and data running the length of the UK, fed by the Thames Hub.

Lord Foster, founder and chairman of Foster + Partners, said: “We need
to recapture the foresight and political courage of our 19th century
forebears if we are to establish a modern transport and energy
infrastructure in Britain for this century and beyond. If we don’t
then we are denying future generations to come. We are rolling over
and saying we are no longer competitive – and this is a competitive
world. So I do not believe we have a choice.”

Halcrow group board director, David Kerr, said: “As infrastructure
specialists, our role is to support society by taking on the big
issues that affect us all – water, transportation, energy, and
creating places to live and work. Great challenges require bold
solutions, which is why I believe our Thames Hub vision is critical to
society and to the country’s economic prosperity. If we don’t sustain
and invest in infrastructure, then it’s at our peril.

“If the UK is to remain globally competitive, these proposals need to
be seriously considered.” The main components of the Thames Hub a

a new barrier crossing that extends flood protection to London and the
Thames Gateway into next century. The barrier harnesses tidal power to
generate carbon-free energy

a four-track, high-speed passenger and freight orbital rail route
around London, which links the capital’s radial lines, a future
high-speed rail line to the Midlands and the North, the Thames Estuary
ports, High Speed 1 (Channel Tunnel to London), and European networks

an estuary airport, capable of handling 150 million passengers per
annum, thus enabling the UK to retain its global aviation hub status.
The airport is integrated within a logistics matrix that connects by
rail the Thames Estuary Ports and the ports of Liverpool, Southampton
and Felixstowe. Associated with the hub is a major renewable energy
source in the estuary

a new utilities and data spine in the Thames Barrier, orbital rail
line and high-speed networks, with applicability across the UK

a comprehensive environmental management strategy that minimises the
impact of development and provides opportunities to create significant
new wildlife habitats to more than offset losses elsewhere. The
project can also serve as the catalyst to reduce pressure on foreshore
habitats from rising sea levels and storm activity

The Halcrow and Foster+Partners Thames Hub vision is supported by
renowned economist Bridget Rosewell, chairman of Volterra Consulting
and founder member of The Thames Estuary Research and Development
Company (TESTRAD).

END QUOTE


Exciting stuff!