The West Point & Cargo Point Drainage Improvements project was delivered for Dnata at a 24-hour logistics facility located adjacent to Heathrow Airport. The scheme involved the replacement of two lengths of failed surface water drainage channels, totalling 214 metres, within a highly operational environment where uninterrupted access to individual warehouse units was critical.
Given the nature of the site, the primary challenge was maintaining full operational access for tenants and logistics movements throughout the works. The existing drainage channels were located directly in front of unit access points, requiring careful phasing, detailed planning, and close coordination with the client’s operational teams to minimise disruption at all times.
Over a 12-week programme, the project team systematically removed the defective drainage infrastructure and replaced it with a high-strength slot drainage system constructed on a reinforced concrete base and surround. The works were carefully sequenced across five phases, incorporating early morning starts and Saturday working to accommodate operational constraints and maintain access.
To ensure long-term performance and structural integrity, multiple site investigations were undertaken, including four sets of CBR tests to confirm the suitability of the formation levels. Close collaboration with the design team ensured the solution was fully validated prior to construction, providing confidence in the durability and longevity of the finished installation.
The use of high-strength rapid-setting concrete was critical in enabling efficient programme delivery and facilitating early reinstatement of each phase. Additional features included the installation of silt traps at regular intervals to support ongoing maintenance, movement joints to accommodate thermal and structural movement, and a brushed concrete finish to ensure a durable, functional, and visually cohesive result that blends seamlessly with the surrounding yard areas.
This project required a high level of planning, coordination, and adaptability, with detailed scheduling essential to ensure the right teams were on site at the right time. Weather conditions and operational constraints added further complexity, all of which were successfully managed through proactive communication and robust programme control.
The completed works provide Dnata with a robust, maintainable drainage solution designed to withstand heavy operational use while supporting the long-term functionality of this critical logistics hub near Heathrow.
