Heathrow Airport has appointed McLaren Construction to deliver the redevelopment of its Eastern Business Park, where a 9,481 square metre new logistics scheme will be built as part of the airport's ongoing investment plan.

The 1.6-hectare site will be transformed into four warehouse buildings, each divided into eight units, providing 32 spaces ranging in size from 200 to 400 square metres. The flexible design allows for mezzanine expansion to form full first floors, giving occupiers the option to grow or consolidate space over time.

The original buildings, dating back to around 1952, were demolished earlier this year. The new development will provide high-quality, self-sufficient accommodation, including 50% mezzanine space, for small and medium-sized airport-related businesses. Located adjacent to Control Post 12 on the Eastern Perimeter Road, the site benefits from direct airport access.

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As one of Heathrow's 14 'spotlight projects', the scheme aims to achieve BREEAM Excellent certification while supporting the airport's sustainability strategy. Features include offsite manufacturing, cross-laminated timber panels, and solar photovoltaics expected to generate over 700kWh of electricity annually for export back into the airport.

McLaren will manage the build within the constraints of a live operational airport, with strict Obstacle Limitation Services (OLS) height restrictions in place to ensure safe aircraft operations. Construction is expected to take 12–18 months, with completion scheduled for summer 2026.

David Gavin, McLaren Construction's managing director for industrial and logistics, 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).