Dubbed Heathrow West, the new terminal and runway plan is being submitted to Government this week after a decade of development and aims to deliver a new Terminal 6 and 2,800m runway at the UK’s biggest airport.

Working with US engineering giant Bechtel, the Arora Group, which is one of Heathrow’s largest landowners, said the proposal avoided costly and complex works over the M25 – a key sticking point in the airport’s own expansion plans.

The new runway could be fully operational by 2035, with Terminal 6 delivered in two phases (T6A by 2036 and T6B by 2040).

The proposal is the first of its kind to be invited by Government as a competing option for Heathrow expansion – breaking the precedent of exclusivity for the airport operator.

Key features of Heathrow West

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Terminal 6 interior

• Terminal 6 to sit west of Terminal 5

• No need to build over the M25

• Faster delivery and reduced environmental impact

• 10-year build window for new runway and terminal

• Modular and off-site construction to reduce footprint and disruption

Arora has created a dedicated delivery vehicle, Heathrow West Ltd, to steer the project, with Bechtel as lead partner. Supporting firms include Scott Brownrigg, Doig+Smith, Haskoning and NACO.

The Arora/Bechtel team said the proposal is built around cost certainty, constructability and speed.

By avoiding major disruption to the motorway and keeping most works within the airport boundary, the scheme aims to outpace Heathrow’s operator-led plan.

Carlton Brown, ceo of Heathrow West, said the project would work “collaboratively with airlines, communities and government” and promised lower construction risk and better value for money for users.

New Terminal 6 will be built next to the existing Terminal 5 in two phases

The team said Heathrow West is targeting BREEAM Excellent for both construction and operations, with plans to restore the local river, introduce green buffers, and enhance active travel links.

Surinder Arora said: “I am proud to unveil the Heathrow West proposal which meets the UK’s ambition to grow its only hub airport while delivering on time and on budget.

“The Government’s decision to invite competition rather than hand exclusivity to the incumbent is common sense – and we’re ready to deliver.”

The Department for Transport is expected to review competing plans later this year as part of its drive to secure planning approval for Heathrow expansion before the next General Election.

Heathrow Airport Ltd is also set submit its own expansion plan to the government today.

It had planned to create a third runway by rerouting the M25 motorway between junctions 14 and 15 through a tunnel under the new runway. The airport operator is now also said to be considering a shorter third runway.