Logistics project is set for completion next summer
Heathrow airport has appointed McLaren Construction to deliver a 9,481sq m logistics scheme as part of the redevelopment of its Eastern Business Park.
The 1.6ha site is being developed into four warehouse buildings, each split into eight units ranging in size from 200 to 400sq m. The original 1952 Eastern Business Park buildings were demolished earlier this year.
The new development, located off the Eastern Perimeter Road, will accommodate small and medium-sized airport-related businesses.
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 postwar buildings. Their sustainable design highlights how far industrial development has moved on, and they now form an integral part of the airport’s infrastructure.”
Alistair Awcock, infrastructure director for Heathrow airport, said: “This infrastructure investment will provide prime logistics accommodation to our Heathrow partners, while modernising, strengthening and adding capacity to our perimeter property portfolio, supporting our customer strategy.”
The project, due for completion by next summer, is one of 14 “spotlight projects” exploring new approaches that use lower carbon materials, and aspires to a BREEAM Excellent certification, including the generation of over 700kWh of electricity per annum from solar photovoltaics that will be exported back into Heathrow.
The design allows most elements except footings and drainage to be manufactured offsite. The largest elements are the continuous roof panels which are 16m, including edge trims, gutters and solar array.
The steel frame will be preassembled in a factory, stripped down for transport and erected on site. Flat roof sections will consist of cross-laminated timber panels brought to site completed and to size.
McLaren will be working within the constraints of a busy live operational airport site. The subcontractor team includes SCWS, Colclad, Roofdec, Watt Energy, FP McCann and Ridgeway.
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