Heathrow is redeveloping the 1.6 hectare site as four warehouse buildings, each split into eight units.

The original buildings at the Eastern Business Park were built in around 1952 and were demolished earlier this year.

The scheme is one of 14 ‘spotlight projects’ exploring new approaches to using lower carbon materials.

The design allows most elements except footings and drainage to be manufactured offsite. The largest elements are the continuous roof panels which are 16 metres, 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 work within the constraints of a busy live operational airport site during the 12–18-month construction period.

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.”

Alistair Awcock, Infrastructure Director for Heathrow Airport added: “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.”