Invest Thames Gateway - Gareth John
The importance of multimodal transport hubs: focus on London Southend Airport
The Thames Gateway benefits from one of the most advanced transport and infrastructure networks in the UK, strategically connected to London, the rest of the UK and mainland Europe. There are a number of key multimodal hubs and platforms within this region that offer convenience and flexibility for both industry and individuals. London Gateway, for example, will offer an advanced multimodal hub serving as a deep-sea international container port that links by rail and road to the UK’s major cities and will also act as Europe’s largest logistics park. For the Thames Gateway, its integrated transport networks are a key to its overall success as a region, providing expansive and dynamic supply chain and transport options for businesses located within the region.
London Southend Airport, located 40 miles from Central London, offers a key road, rail and air hub for the Thames Gateway region. Operated by the Stobart Group, the airport supports 40,000 flights per year and following its successful planning application to extend its runway in January this year will be able to support around 13,000 additional flights per year up to a capacity of 50,000. The airport is currently served by nearby Rochford station but is due to complete its own railway station in September 2010 which will operate up to six services per hour and reduce journey times into Central London (London Liverpool Street) to 50 minutes. Additionally, the railway line will connect to Stratford in 42 minutes and when Crossrail becomes operational, will offer a direct line to Heathrow Airport.
London Southend Airport is an exciting transport hub for the Thames Gateway and by 2012 it will be classed as a fully functional regional airport offering flights to a range of holiday and business destinations across Europe. Crucially, London Southend Airport’s strategic location means that passengers do not have to travel into London to fly out of the UK reducing journey times by up to 20 minutes when compared to other major London airports. Additionally, the 2012 Olympics will serve to greatly increase traffic to London Southend Airport as it offers an efficient and convenient alternative destination that links directly to Stratford, the location of the Games.
Speaking about the future of Southend Airport, Alistair Welch, Managing Director of Southend Airport, said: “The Thames Gateway is a very exciting place to be as London moves east. Southend Airport, with its strategic location and multimodal offering will increase the possibilities for growth in future.”
Gareth John is Managing Director of Invest Thames Gateway. For further information, visit: www.investthamesgateway.com
Published: 25/06/2010
