All Change at Heathrow Central Bus and Coach Station The UK's busiest bus and coach station, located at the heart of the world's busiest international airport, is set to receive a dramatic new facelift as part of a multi-million pound redevelopment. National Express and Heathrow Airport have also signed a partnership agreement that enables National Express to take over the on-site management of the Central Bus and Coach Station at Heathrow Airport until 31 December 2010. The highlight of the project will be a state-of-the-art triple storey inflatable roof structure to create a new covered concourse. This £2.5 million redevelopment is a joint funded initiative that will provide the eight million users of the facility with: a new National Express ticket-office; additional seating for customers; new and enlarged catering and retail outlets as well as improved timetable and service information. The project has already created new jobs which include baggage handlers and additional customer service staff to significantly improve the journey experience for all bus and coach passengers. Real-time bay allocation with updates on screens will also ensure the travellers are kept fully informed of their relevant services. Denis Wormwell, Chief Executive National Express said: "We are very excited by this opportunity to make a big difference to both customers and operators at Heathrow Central Bus Station. By working in partnership with Heathrow Airport Ltd and investing in infrastructure we will not only deliver positive transport solutions but also reinforce our commitment to customers and other users of this facility. We are delighted that our efforts, and those of Heathrow Airport Ltd and D5 architects, have resulted in such an innovative scheme." Mick Temple, Managing Director BAA Heathrow Airport said "We are delighted to be signing this partnership agreement with National Express which reflects the innovative approach the two companies have taken to redevelop a key part of our surface access strategy. Heathrow Airport Ltd is committed to providing world class transport facilities and is striving to deliver an excellent experience to coach and bus customers. This partnership with National Express will greatly support this aim and we are very proud to be working alongside a leading UK coach operator" Birmingham based D5 Architects has been commissioned by National Express to take charge of the structure which most notably features a 1100 m² air inflated, translucent roof. Ian Saunders, Partner at D5 Architects said: "We have a great deal of experience in transport architecture and we are delighted to be involved in the development of this innovative structure at such a high profile location." Work on the new bus and coach station is due to start in June 2005 and is set to be completed by December 2005. Heathrow Central Bus and Coach Station will continue to operate normally during these improvements with minimum disruption to passengers. In addition National Express will ensure customers traveling through the facility will be kept informed about the changes throughout the work schedule. -ENDS-
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