BUILDING WILTSHIRE ’ S FUTURE
Swindon ’ s Oasis Project Cost : Unknown
This iconic building was cutting-edge in its day with its wave machine , and people came from miles around to visit and to swim in its pools .
However , that was in 1976 . The Oasis is now outdated and was closed by operator GLL last year having felt the full impact of Covid-19 restrictions .
Seven Capital , which has a lease on the site , is seeking to redevelop the Oasis . It has recently released plans which include the removal of the Oasis dome . It has been claimed the building in its existing state is not energy efficient and not sustainable .
This has led to a flurry of protests and an application to Historic England to have the building listed , which if successful will have a significant impact on how it can be developed and will make the current plans unviable , according to Seven Capital .
Honda , South Marston Project Cost : £ 700 million
In 2018 it was announced that Honda would close its Swindon plant , a 370-acre site which has been home to Honda since 1985 . Despite being in use for over 35 years , only half the site has ever been used .
It has been known for some years that Honda leaving Wiltshire would be a huge blow to the economy . At its height the factory was producing 250,000 vehicles a year and employed 3,500 ‘ associates ’. It also had three separate supply chains and it has been predicted by July this year the loss of Honda will mean the loss of at least 5,000 jobs .
A Government task force was set up , headed by Swindon Borough Council , to come up with a transition plan and a buyer for the site . That plan came into fruition this March as it was announced that Panattoni Group , Europe ’ s largest developer of new build industrial and logistic facilities had bought the site ( read the full story on page 5 ).
Panattoni Group is pledging £ 700 million of future investment and says it hopes to attract new employers and provide for existing businesses looking to expand in Swindon . In addition , Swindon Borough Council is investing in the area to make it more attractive to investors . Councillor David Renard , Leader of Borough Swindon Council and co-Chair of the Honda National Task Force , said , “ We are investing hundreds of millions of pounds in infrastructure and regeneration , to create the right environment for businesses to create even more jobs on the site in the years to come .”
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2021 13