A major new industrial and logistics facility is being built at the former Honda factory site in Swindon.
European logistics giant Panattoni, which was granted consent to redevelop the site in 2023, has appointed construction group McLaren (Midlands and North) to deliver the scheme.
The design and build contract will see McLaren deliver Unit 4 - a 545,414 sq ft state-of-the-art warehouse and distribution facility at Panattoni Park.
Work on the project is already under way, with the steel works finished and roofing and cladding progressing, McLaren said.
The scheme will include two storeys of office accommodation and a decked car park, along with all associated site and external works including roads, service yards, car parking, hard and soft landscaping, drainage and building services. Work is expected to complete in January.
It is understood scheme will target net zero carbon for upfront carbon emissions, with a performance goal of under 300kgCO₂/m².
Luke Arnold, regional director at McLaren Midlands and North, said: “We’re extremely proud to be working with Panattoni on this flagship industrial scheme in Swindon.
"It’s a significant step in our growth across the South West and an opportunity to deliver a building of real environmental ambition. Our team is focused on meeting the fast-track programme and supporting Panattoni’s vision for the site’s transformation.”
The regeneration of the former Second World War airfield site is part of Panattoni’s wider plan to bring new life and jobs to the area following the closure of Honda’s operations in 2021.
The Japanese carmaker sold off the 370-acre site to Panattoni as part of a huge restructure of its global operations. The plant's closure after more than 35 years of production in Wiltshire, saw the loss of around 3,500 jobs.
The redevelopment of Panattoni Park is expected to create some 7,000 jobs. Although no businesses have yet announced plans to move into the park, Swindon North MP Will Stone has previously said that defence companies are interested in the site.
James Watson, of Panattoni, told the BBC this month: "We've got a number of really exciting conversations with a number of potential occupiers. We haven't got anyone on the dotted line just yet."
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