A huge area of green space four times the size of Hyde Park will be turned into an area for public and wildlife by Heathrow Airport, should proposed expansion go ahead.
The multi-million pound investment expected to benefit communities around the airport would see the transformation of Colne Valley Regional Park to reduce flood risk, protect biodiversity and wildlife habitats, as well as create new outdoor activities for families to enjoy.
The £105m plans to create a new public parkland would include wet meadows for flood protection, pastures for grazing animals, bridleways, a cross country course, natural ponds, sports facilities, gardens, allotments and even a mountain bike trail.
Heathrow director of sustainability Matt Gorman said: “Heathrow expansion is an opportunity to provide once in a generation improvements to the physical environment for the communities around the airport.
“Our new plan means this airport can be world-leading in environmental performance and guarantee that those most impacted by expansion get both the greatest benefits and fair treatment.”
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A public consultation would be part of a stringent planning process if Heathrow expansion gets the green light.
With improvements on the southern part of the Colne Valley Regional Park, and new green areas to the east, north and south of the airport, Heathrow said it will work with Colne Valley Regional Park Community Interest Company (CIC) and Friends of River Crane, on developing this vision if the airport is chosen to expand.
The Colne Valley Park stretches from Rickmansworth in the north to Staines and the Thames in the south, Uxbridge and Heathrow in the east to Slough and Chalfont in the west.
A spokesman for Colne Valley Park CIC said: “The Colne Valley Park CIC remains opposed to the building of the third runway due to the detrimental impact this will have upon the Regional Park.
"Should the government approve the third runway option we would want to work with Heathrow Airport on improving their plans to ensure that the remainder of the Colne Valley Regional Park benefits local wildlife, landscapes and communities in line with the park’s objectives.”
Heathrow will look to improve the quality of habitat for watercourses to the east of the airport on the River Crane which runs from Harrow to Isleworth.
To the north, there is an opportunity to create wetland areas with public boardwalk access, an improved cycle network connecting with local boroughs.
And to the south, potentially new and enhanced green spaces would include new, publicly accessible sports facilities.
