What's Happening?
McLaren Construction has been awarded a contract by Heathrow Airport to develop a logistics scheme at the Eastern Business Park. The project is part of Heathrow's investment program and involves constructing four warehouse buildings on a 1.6-hectare site. These buildings will be divided into 32 units, each ranging from 200 to 400 square meters, with potential for mezzanine expansions. The project aims for a BREEAM Excellent rating and is one of 14 spotlight projects at Heathrow trialing lower carbon materials. Construction methods include offsite manufacturing of steel frames and roof panels, which will be assembled, disassembled for transport, and re-erected onsite. Solar photovoltaics are expected to generate over 700kWh of electricity annually, contributing to Heathrow's energy supply. The logistics park will support small and medium-sized businesses involved in airport operations.
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Why It's Important?
The redevelopment project at Heathrow is significant for several reasons. It represents a move towards sustainable construction practices, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions through innovative building methods and materials. The logistics park will enhance Heathrow's operational capabilities by providing modern infrastructure to support airport-related businesses. This development is expected to boost economic activity in the region, providing opportunities for local businesses and potentially creating jobs. Additionally, the use of solar energy aligns with broader environmental goals, contributing to Heathrow's sustainability targets.
What's Next?
The project is scheduled for completion in summer 2026. McLaren will navigate existing below-ground services and operate within a live airport environment, ensuring minimal disruption to airport operations. The construction will adhere to height restrictions for aircraft safety, with McLaren employing a bespoke methodology to meet these constraints without requiring night-time work. Subcontractors involved include SCWS, Colclad, Roofdec, Watt Energy, FP McCann, and Ridgeway.
