FOSTER VS FARRELL


maximise its trade links with the rest of the world, but would create jobs across the UK, balance the economy between North and South, and boost the economies of theMidlands and the North by providing them with direct connections to the cities and


The new international rail station would link directly into the Estuary airport.


markets of Europe. “If we are to establish a


modern transport and energy infrastructure in Britain for this century and beyond, we need to recapture the foresight and political courage of our 19th century forebears and draw on our traditions of


engineering, design and landscape,” Foster says. “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 don’t believe we


have a choice.’ 


KEY FEATURES: • A new barrier crossing that


extends the flood protection to London and the Thames Gateway into the 22nd century. This barrier would also harnesses tidal power to generate carbon-free energy.


• A four-track, high-speed passenger and freight Orbital Rail route around London, which would link London’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 would be integrated within a logistics matrix that connects by rail the Thames Estuary Ports and the ports of Liverpool, Southampton and Felixstowe.


• A new utilities and data spine in the Thames Barrier, Orbital Rail line and high- speed networks, with applicability across the UK.


Foster’s proposed barrier crossing would connect, protect against flooding and generate power to serve the new airport.


ArchitectNews.co.uk | Architects Choice | 25


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