Heathrow Airport Third Runway Plans Could Deliver One of the UK’s Most Expensive Parking Projects

Plans tied to Heathrow’s proposed third runway have drawn attention after reports suggested the airport’s redesigned parking infrastructure could rank among the most expensive ever developed in the UK.

Under the expansion blueprint, more than 20 existing car parks across the airport estate would be demolished to make way for two large multi-storey “parkway” buildings. Combined, the northern and southern structures are expected to accommodate around 36,000 vehicles – approximately 16,000 spaces in the southern facility and 20,000 in the northern.

Cost Estimates and Per-Space Analysis

The aviation hub, which is the largest in the UK, indicates that the two parkway projects could carry a combined price tag of up to £2.6 billion.

Heathrow has disputed that interpretation, explaining that the £2.6 billion estimate covers a broader package of works. According to the airport, roughly £1.3 billion relates directly to construction of the parking structures themselves, with the remaining expenditure linked to enabling works such as redesigned road layouts, bus infrastructure, passenger drop-off facilities and wider landside modifications.

Even at the lower £1.3 billion level, the development would represent one of the largest and most capital-intensive parking schemes undertaken in Britain.

Industry Perspective

Parking consultants have noted that cost per bay remains the standard metric for assessing value in large-scale multi-storey developments. Some industry observers have indicated that conventional budgeting for a 36,000-space facility – even in the South East of England – would typically be far below the figures being discussed, often closer to £20,000 per space depending on design and specification.

However, Heathrow’s project differs from standalone commercial parking builds. The new parkways would form part of a complex aviation expansion programme, delivered within an operational airport environment and integrated into a wider transport reconfiguration strategy.

Part of a £49 Billion Expansion

The parking redevelopment sits within Heathrow’s broader third runway proposal, a programme estimated at approximately £49 billion. Alongside runway construction, the scheme includes major changes to terminals, access roads and public transport connections.

Airport leadership has emphasised that the project remains at an early planning stage, with construction potentially a decade away. As such, cost projections are subject to refinement as designs progress and procurement strategies are finalised.

Landside Charges Also in Focus

The renewed scrutiny of parking costs comes shortly after changes to Heathrow’s terminal forecourt policy. From 1 January, the standard drop-off charge increased from £6 to £7, accompanied by a 10-minute maximum stay limit.

Heathrow has stated that the revised fee structure aligns with other London airports and supports congestion management and sustainability objectives by encouraging greater use of public transport. The airport reports that the vast majority of drop-off visits are completed within ten minutes.

Nevertheless, representatives from the business travel and taxi sectors have criticised the increase, arguing that higher access charges ultimately impact passengers and professional drivers.

As debate continues around the third runway and its associated infrastructure, Heathrow’s large-scale parking redevelopment is likely to remain a central topic within the broader expansion discussion.

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