The new complex is set to be completed by October and will be built from low-carbon materials where possible
Construction for Phase II of dnata City East – a 17,000sq ft extension of its landmark air cargo facility, located to the south of Heathrow – has commenced following the announcement by Aberdeen standard investments’ AIPUT fund (Airport Industrial Property Unit Trust).
Development plans for the new warehouse were granted last August, by the London Borough of Hounslow after the project planning committee voted in favour of the project.
The new building will be operated by dnata – the largest independent cargo handler at Heathrow – alongside the 250,000sq ft City East Phase I warehouse, which was also constructed by AIPUT and let to the cargo handling firm.
Completion of the infrastructure is expected to occur in early October and is anticipated to strengthen the company’s status as the largest off-airport cargo handling operation at the site.
“AIPUT’s new, landmark warehouse at dnata City East will reinforce our long-term vision to drive the continued growth of our portfolio of prime air cargo assets at Heathrow,” said Edward Amery, head of UK industrial logistics for Aberdeen Standard Investments. “The completed dnata City East site will set a new benchmark for airport industrial property investment, with AIPUT’s partnership with dnata creating a new, off-airport centre of excellence for UK airfreight.”
Specialist industrial and logistics contractor, McLaren Group has been appointed as the lead contractor for construction.
AIPUT’s carbon strategy commits to achieving carbon neutrality by 2025 and will therefore be incorporated into the latest construction, protecting the operational and commercial value of the City East region.
The fund has also stated that they will be using recycled and low-carbon materials where possible, alongside the installation of solar panels, air-source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging stations.
