McLaren Construction has been awarded a contract for the redevelopment of London Heathrow Airport’s (LHR) 1.6 hectare Eastern Business Park.
McLaren will both build and construction a 9,481 square metre GEA new logistics scheme as part of the airport’s current investment plan.
Heathrow is redeveloping the current site as four warehouse buildings, each split into eight units for a total of 32 units, which will range in size from 200 to 400 square metres GIA on ground level.
The structure will allow for the expansion of the site mezzanine to form a complete first floor.
Initially built in 1952; the original buildings at the Eastern Business Park were demolished earlier this year for a development that will provide accommodation for a number of small and medium sized airport related businesses.
One of 14 ‘spotlight projects’, the development aspires to a BREEAM Excellent certification, with a view to making a net positive contribution to Heathrow’s people and planet strategy including the generation of more than 700 kWh of electricity per annum via the use of solar photovoltaics.
The site’s unique design will allow for the majority of elements, barring footings and drainage, to the manufactured offsite. The steel frame will be pre-assembled in a factory before being stripped down and erected on site, with flat roof sections consisting of cross-laminated timber panels brought to site already completed and fit to size.
The development is planned to take place during live operations.
Obstacle limitation services (OLS) height restrictions of 9 metres at the sites west end, rising to 13.5 metres at the east end, will provide a safe flight landing environment, with McLaren having developed a unique methodology to work within the limitations, which offers programme and cost savings.
McLaren Construction’s Managing Director for Industrial and Logistics, David Gavin, said:Heathrow’s status as a major hub creates opportunities not only in cargo handling but also for the many support services and businesses needed to meet the airport’s essential operational needs.
These new Grade A warehouses represent a major transformation from the site's post-war buildings. Their sustainable design highlights how far industrial development has moved on, and they now form an integral part of the airport’s infrastructure
McLaren’s subcontractor team includes SCWS (structural steelwork), Colclad (whitewall), Roofdec (roofing and cladding), Watt Energy (PV panels), FP McCann precast) and Ridgeway (curtain walling).
The project is scheduled for completion in Summer 2026.
Alistair Awcock, Infrastructure Director for Heathrow Airport, said:This infrastructure investment will provide prime logistics accommodation to our Heathrow partners, whilst modernising, strengthening and adding capacity to our perimeter property portfolio, supporting our customer strategy.
