One of Swindon’s major employers is in talks with Swindon Borough Council and Homes England to cement its position in the town centre by becoming a main occupier on the Kimmerfields regeneration site.
The Council is currently working with Homes England on proposals for Kimmerfields, which will transform what is a strategically important part of the town centre.
Zurich, which has had a strong presence in Swindon since the 1980s and employs hundreds of people in the town, approached the Council about being part of the major regeneration scheme.
Parties are now working together regarding the opportunity for Zurich to develop new state-of-the-art offices for their occupation at Kimmerfields.
Councillor Dale Heenan, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Town Centre, said: “The Council’s regeneration of the town centre has been in the pipeline for the last 10 years, but we are now finally close to a major deal with Zurich and the Government agency Homes England.
“This deal will see construction start on new larger, modern, fit-for-purpose offices in our town centre next year.
“Visible progress for local residents and businesses is our number one aim so 2019 will be a major year for Swindon. Work should start on the indoor ski slope and leisure park at North Star, the Great Western Main Line has been electrified and the new GWR timetable will mean London is 45 minutes away, and now Kimmerfields!”
Kelly Hillman, Senior Development Manager, Public Sector Land at Homes England added: “We are keen to bring forward Kimmerfields as a commercial and residential site as soon as possible.
“Zurich’s interest in relocating to Kimmerfields is a positive first step in bringing forward wider regeneration proposals for the site, which includes a number of new homes.”