A former airport in Toronto, Canada, is set to undergo a massive £22 billion transformation into a new metropolis, marking one of the largest projects of its kind on the continent. Downsview Airport, closed in 2024, will be redeveloped over three decades to accommodate approximately 50,000 residents and offer 75 acres of green space.
Named YZD after the airport’s former call sign, the extensive redevelopment initiative will create seven neighborhoods with various amenities such as housing, shops, schools, and parks. The site’s old 1.24-mile runway will be repurposed into a central park connecting the neighborhoods while honoring the area’s aerospace history.
Northcrest Developments CEO, Derek Goring, highlighted the project’s focus on utilizing existing features to add character and uniqueness. The airport, known for its contributions during the Second World War and subsequent aerospace activities, will see its massive hangars transformed for commercial purposes, including manufacturing and clean technology applications.
The redesign of the former runway has been entrusted to landscape architecture firm Michael van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA). Meanwhile, in other news, plans for a £49 billion expansion at Heathrow Airport in London, including a third runway, have received government approval. This expansion could lead to a significant increase in daily flight movements, supporting trade, tourism, and job growth in the region and across the UK. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized the importance of airport expansion for national prosperity and job creation.