Kier has been appointed by Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) to deliver its Quieter Neighbour Support Scheme over the next eight years.
The Quieter Neighbourhood Support Scheme (QNS) is a major programme of works delivered locally by Heathrow to help improve the wellbeing of neighbouring communities, including reducing the impact of noise created by aircraft operating at the airport.
The QNS will be delivered by Kier Places, a Kier business which delivers residential, building and workplace solutions in places where people live and work across the UK.
The QNS includes the Residential Insulation Scheme (RIS), a 100% funded scheme for homeowners to better protect homes with noise insulation measures, covering around 20,000 homes in the local area in a phased approach.
The RIS, dependent on eligibility, includes supply and installation of replacement windows, secondary glazing and doors, new ventilation, loft insulation, and upgrading of ceilings.
As well as the RIS, Kier Places will be delivering two other schemes as part of the QNS:
- A Quieter Schools Programme - an improved offer for noise insulation and ventilation support to local schools
- A Vortex Impact and Prevention Scheme – including repairs for vortex strikes and the provision of proactive protection for homes in high impact areas
As part of the QNS, Kier Places will deliver an extensive programme of social value in the local area, focusing on environmental, social and economic impact. Working in partnership with Heathrow, this will include education programmes, school partnerships, environmental projects and community group initiatives that support the airport’s Giving Back Programme.
"The Quieter Neighbourhood Support Scheme is a huge opportunity to improve the wellbeing of residents and wider communities local to Heathrow and we’re delighted Kier Places has been appointed as the delivery partner.
The scale of this project has required a genuinely collaborative approach between Heathrow, Kier Places and a number of other key stakeholders – and that can only benefit the delivery. We’re now looking forward to seeing first-hand the positive impact the QNS will have on the local communities surrounding Heathrow."
Jamie McKechnie, managing director of Kier Places
"One of our major strengths at Kier Places is our ability to meet technical and operational excellence with our approach to community impact and resident engagement. This will be key for the QNS – particularly working with local residents to help them understand the fantastic offer to improve their homes at no cost.
Key to our delivery model is ensuring we leave a lasting legacy in the local communities where we work. From local spend and employment, to school and college engagement, we want to be embedded in the local area – and we can’t wait to get started."
Claire Kershaw, regional director (Residential Solutions) for Kier Places
"We want this to be a great place to live and work and we are pleased to renew and enhance the support we offer our local communities. In partnership with Kier, and after feedback from our neighbours, we are refreshing the help available, including fully funded noise insulation for those most affected by aircraft noise."
James Holmes, Heathrow’s Head of Local Strategic Engagement
Image courtesy of Heathrow Airport Limited.