Our plans for SouthPoint Business Park, Chippenham
A brand new, state-of-the-art factory, digital engineering and R&D facility
Our plans
Siemens Mobility is planning to invest £100 million in a brand-new manufacturing, digital engineering and R&D centre at SouthPoint Business Park, replacing our existing facility at Langley Park, where we’ll build the next generation of conventional and digital rail signalling and control systems for Britain.
This investment shows our continued commitment to Chippenham, home to around 800 colleagues and the town where we’ve been shaping the future of rail signalling since 1897.
Why are we moving?
- Our lease on our current accommodation is soon to expire. The current buildings are not suitable for the next generation of manufacturing and R&D, and do not meet modern energy efficiency standards. Our feasibility study showed that replacing them was not practical.
- But we are determined to stay in Chippenham. It’s our home, and it’s home to many of the c.800 people who work for us here.
- That’s why we identified SouthPoint Business Park as an ideal location: still in Chippenham, with excellent transport links and the perfect place to continue our investment in technology, people, skills and our supply chain to transform rail travel and transport in Britain.
Chippenham SouthPoint: where we’ll continue to transform rail travel and transport for Britain
Our plan is to relocate from our current site at Langley Park to SouthPoint Business Park, to the south-west of Chippenham.
- The SouthPoint Business Park was granted outline planning consent in March 2017 for 50,000sqm of employment floorspace (ref: N/13/00308/OUT). Detailed consent was granted for six buildings via reserved matters in February 2021 (ref: 20/02511/REM).
- We are working with Baylis Estates Limited, the owner and developer of SouthPoint Business Park, to build a bespoke manufacturing, digital engineering and research and development (R&D) centre on circa 40% of the site.
- But because what we are planning to build is slightly different from the plans approved in 2021, we are required to submit a new planning application together with Baylis Estates Limited.
Our proposals and their benefits
Our proposals are for a bespoke manufacturing, digital engineering and research and development (R&D) centre, including production facilities, rail signalling R&D, an external area for static testing of signalling equipment, digital integration and testing facilities, warehouse and operation facilities, ancillary office space and staff facilities.
This will secure the long-term future of Siemens Mobility in Chippenham, retaining around 800 jobs with the potential for future employment opportunities, and paving the way for future investment from other associated companies in the local area.
- 19,305 sqm of employment floorspace.
- 400 spaces for car parking, plus plans for sustainable transport measures.
- Built sustainably with a minimum rating of BREEAM ‘Excellent’ for the office including renewable energy sources .
- Greater than 10% Biodiversity Net Gain.
- Landscaping designed to shield views of the site from nearby roads and homes.
Transport and sustainable travel
- Two access points are proposed from the central spine road; one for staff and visitors, and the other for operational vehicles.
- 400 car parking spaces and as well as ample cycle parking spaces are proposed, along with changing and shower facilities.
- Staff travel surveys have been undertaken and these have informed a Sustainable Travel Plan, which will be implemented to maximise sustainable travel to and from the facility, and a Transport Statement.
Visual appearance
- Buildings range in height from 8.28m to 13.5m (to parapet).
- The tallest part of the building is the top of the office roof lights (15m).
- Varied roof heights, use of materials and façade design aims to break up the appearance of the building and minimise visual impact.
- Comprehensive landscaping will soften the appearance of the building and provide visual screening.
Ecology and biodiversity
- A Construction Ecological Management Plan will be implemented to protect wildlife identified through ecological surveys.
- A Biodiversity Net Gain of over 10% will be delivered through comprehensive landscaping, including significant tree planting.
Noise and air quality
- No adverse noise or air quality impacts are expected as a result of operational activities.
- Noise limits have been set for plant and mechanical equipment, and acoustic screening will be incorporated to ensure these limits are met.
Construction
- Subject to planning permission, construction is expected to start in late 2024 and end in 2026.
- Potential construction impacts, including noise, dust and traffic, will be effectively mitigated by adopting a robust Construction Environment Management Plan.
- This will include who you can contact in the construction team.