A TERMINAL FOR A THAMES ESTUARY AIRPORT
Recent proposals in the domain for an airport in the Thames Estuary envisage an offshore island complex connected to a terminal in Essex and to the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) via high speed rail links in immersed tunnels and new rail lines In Kent. This master plan proposes the Essex terminal be located within the Shoebury-Wix complex.
In his recent report Douglas Oakervie concluded that "It is clear that the most important period for London is from 2030 to 2035 when a new airport has to be delivered; the second Dartford Crossing has to be operational; the interim flood defence measures in place; extensive regeneration of the Thames Estuary region and new motorways and high speed rail connections built to serve this and the airport. This is a huge programme of work that at present is not being considered holistically."
METROTIDAL
For the purposes of this master plan, Metrotidal will be the solution that links Kent with Essex due to its proximity to Shoebury-Wix and the many advantages that a multi model tunnel offers.
Metrotidal Tunnel is an independent private sector initiative, supported by leading UK consultants, to develop a multi-modal Lower Thames Tunnel together with associated infrastructure improvements, a tidal power plant and new flood defences for London. It is situated just 15 km to the west of the Shoebury-Wix and provides a highly advantageous infrastructure solution.
We would like to stress that
we in no way represent Metrotidal, and that all information pertaining to
it has been sourced from the public domain. For more information visit www.metrotidal.com/index.htm
A DESTINATION TERMINAL
With its runways situated 45km out into the Thames Estuary, Thorpe International terminal will not be under the flight path. It is unique in being noise free, and can be conceived as a destination terminal that people will visit for shopping and then later to enjoy the multiple facilities found on the master plan.
Shoebury-Wix’ prestigious setting and multiple transport connections into London, Europe and beyond will ensure its future as a commercial hub. Business travellers will stay in one of the 3500 rooms being planned for in 25 hotels located on Thorpe, West Knox and East Knox Islands, and make use of the conference facilities to be found amongst the 250,000m2 of office space.
Tourism will be focussed
around Shoebury-Wix Yacht Haven and Shoebury-Wix Lagoon where an entire
range of water sports and activities will be located.
THORPE INTERNATIONAL
Thorpe Island will be the location of a 80,000m2 airport terminal and transport interchange incorporating Thorpe International Railway Station.
Air travellers would journey by train to the terminal from London St Pancras or Fenchurch Street. Once checked in and called for their flights, passengers will continue their journey to Airport Island by high speed rail links through 40km of immersed tunnels.
HIGH SPEED RAIL
LINKS
Most of the proposals in the domain for an airport in the Thames Estuary
envisage high speed rail links connecting the airport into London, Paris
and Brussels, and there are several possible solutions and routes for
achieving this.
By far the most efficient and cost effective solution would be to use
the Metrotidal tunnel since this requires minimal new rail track (approximately
15km) compared to the 85km required by a tunnel (45km) from the airport
to the Isle of Sheppey and then onwards to CTRL in Kent.
It would be possible to make the journey from Shoeburyness to Ebbsfleet
in about 25 minutes.
