Johnson renews backing for Foster’s estuary airport
London mayor backs architect over Thames Estuary airport days after re-election
Boris Johnson has renewed his backing for Norman Foster’s Thames Estuary airport proposals, days after his re-election as London mayor.
Conceding that the government is “yet to be persuaded” on the issue, Johnson called on the prime minister to “seize the nettle” and proceed with plans such as Fosters’.
Speaking to the Evening Standard, Johnson said: “My gut feeling is that you could entrench London’s position as the economic powerhouse of Europe.
“You would solve all sorts of problems in transport infrastructure and regeneration if you went for a big, bold solution of the kind that Norman Foster was outlining.”
Last November Foster & Partners revealed its proposals for a Thames Estuary airport as part of a radical overhaul of the UK’s infrastructure network.
Ministers are expected to publish an aviation strategy this summer but have thus far been reluctant to back Fosters’ plans.
Johnson said: “This is a moment for greatness. It is a moment for bravery. I’ve said my piece on this. I can’t say any more. People know what I think, they know where I stand.
“If the coalition were to go for something like that it would be an incredible expression of confidence in UKPLC, in the dynamism of this country.”
But he acknowledged the difficulty he faced in persuading others. “I am not so naive as to think that that can be done without huge political opposition,” he said.
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Readers' comments (6)
pah, gravesend is crap anyway
In order for London to keep its position as a truly global city, it will need to implement projects like this.
Boris Island splendid show.
aye, this part of the thames is as good as dead
This part of the Thames is beautiful! Apart from the Power Station, the Hoo Peninsular dividing the Medway and the Thames is a stunning landscape, the estuary for the Medway is stunning.
The area is stepped in History defending England against the Dutch in the 1600s and has much Anglo Saxon history too. It was also the setting for the beginning of Dickens' Great Expectations.
How can Lord Foster ego be so big has to have no conscious for the the landscape and obliterate half of the Hoo Peninsular with a level tarmac square.
It may as well be an island in the Thames estuary (not that I agree with this) but at least it wouldn't be destroying an existing area of land that is enjoyed by many.
Lack of growth everywhere (good thing as far as I'm concerned), peak oil has been reached - why assume that this unsustainable growth in air traffic will continue? A lot of it is dumb tourism/hen parties etc. anyway, indirectly subsidised by VAT-free fuel and low taxes. The world cannot afford this level of air travel, car travel, petrol-consumption etc. Stop growth, plan for sustainable sensible development!