McLaren Secures Heathrow Eastern Business Park Redevelopment

A major milestone in sustainable airport logistics infrastructure

Heathrow Airport has appointed McLaren Construction Group to deliver the landmark redevelopment of its Eastern Business Park, transforming the ageing 1950s-built estate into a modern, sustainable Grade A logistics hub.

The multi-million project forms a core part of Heathrow’s current investment programme and will deliver 9,481 sqm GEA across four new warehouse buildings, each sub-divided into eight units. Ranging from 200 to 400 sqm GIA, the 32 flexible units will include 50% mezzanine space, with scope to expand into full first floors, offering occupiers the ability to adapt, consolidate or grow their operations in line with business needs.

Located adjacent to Control Post 12 with direct access from the Eastern Perimeter Road, the development will provide prime logistics accommodation for small and medium-sized airport-related businesses, while also strengthening Heathrow’s perimeter property portfolio.

A Spotlight Project in Sustainable Construction

This redevelopment is one of 14 ‘Spotlight Projects’ at Heathrow designed to trial low-carbon materials and modern methods of construction (MMC). Targeting BREEAM Excellent certification, the scheme reflects Heathrow’s People and Planet strategy, with a commitment to sustainable growth and innovation.

Key design and delivery features include:

• Offsite fabrication of most elements, excluding footings and drainage
• Preassembled steel frames, manufactured in factory, stripped down for transport and rapidly re-erected on site
• 16m continuous roof panels incorporating edge trims, gutters, and integrated solar arrays
• Cross-laminated timber (CLT) roof panels, pre-cut and sized offsite for swift installation

The site will generate over 700,000 kWh of renewable solar energy annually, supporting Heathrow’s ambition to contribute positively to the environment while reducing operational carbon.

Engineering Challenges at a Live Airport

Delivering such an ambitious scheme within the constraints of a busy operational airport presents unique engineering challenges.

McLaren’s methodology had to account for existing underground services including cables, foul and surface water drainage, fire mains, and potable water, alongside strict Obstacle Limitation Services (OLS) height restrictions — 9 metres at the west end, rising to 13.5 metres at the east end — to safeguard aircraft operations.

By developing innovative construction strategies, McLaren has achieved programme and cost savings while avoiding the need for disruptive out-of-hours work.

Leadership Perspectives

David Gavin, MCIOB, Managing Director – Industrial & Logistics, McLaren Construction, said:

Heathrow’s status as a major hub creates opportunities not only in cargo handling but also for the many support services and businesses essential to its operations. 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 advanced, and they now form an integral part of the airport’s infrastructure.

Alistair Awcock, Infrastructure Director, Heathrow Airport, added:

This infrastructure investment will provide prime logistics accommodation to our Heathrow partners, while modernising, strengthening and adding capacity to our perimeter property portfolio. It is a project that supports our long-term customer strategy and our commitment to sustainability.

Key Delivery Partners

• McLaren will lead the construction in collaboration with a specialist supply chain, including:
• SCWS Limited – Structural Steelwork
• Colclad – Whitewall
• Roofdec Ltd – Roofing & Cladding
• Watt Energy Saver – PV Panels
• FP McCann Ltd – Precast
• Ridgeway Facades – Curtain Walling

Completion: Summer 2026

Set for delivery within 12–18 months, with completion targeted for Summer 2026, the Eastern Business Park redevelopment represents not just a logistics upgrade but a blueprint for sustainable airport infrastructure.

By combining offsite manufacturing, renewable energy integration, and cutting-edge construction methods within one of the world’s busiest aviation environments, McLaren and Heathrow are redefining how industrial development can meet both economic and environmental demands.