Architects in London sketch out proposals for Heathrow City

An artists impression of a design by Rick Mather Architects of Heathrow City, a 190,000-home town that would spring up if the west London airport closes.

Architects have come up with designs for Heathrow City a 190,000-home town that would spring up if the west London airport closes.

Supported by London mayor Boris Johnson, who backs a Thames Estuary airport to replace Heathrow, the redevelopment could potentially support 90,000 jobs and add 7.5bn (9.4bn) to the British economy.

Designs, from three firms of architects, include plans for new park land, scientific research centres, and a factory for modular housing units to make it easier for people to build their own homes. Commissioned by Transport for London, the designs are:

nHawkins Brown This is the one that includes the factory-for-homes plan. Online customisation would allow Londoners to order homes to their own specifications.

nRick Mather Architects Their proposal would see the Heathrow site evolve to become a new hub city by working with the existing structure. The former runways would define the structure of the city and connect 10 distinct centres.

Developers would look to create a research, technology and manufacturing hub.

* Maccreanor Lavington Their vision aims to develop a fully functioning city within the metropolis. A technology campus would be built to the east of the current site. The former Terminal 2 building would be renovated to become a civic centre and retail hub.

The Thames Estuary airport plan dubbed Boris Island is currently being considered by the Airports Commission although recent reports prepared for the commission have cast doubt on its feasibility.

The commission is due to make a decision this autumn on whether the plan joins Heathrow and Gatwick runway schemes on the commissions shortlist.

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Architects in London sketch out proposals for Heathrow City