New Siemens factory in Chippenham could allow 'jobs boom'

In March, Siemens Mobility announced plans to build a new factory, digital engineering, and research and design facility at Southpoint Business Park on the outskirts of Chippenham.

A planning application for the scheme, which would replace the firm’s current rail infrastructure site at Langley Park, has since been submitted to Wiltshire Council.

Speaking to town councillors at a planning committee meeting, Siemens representatives confirmed all of their current 800 employees would be moving across to the new site.

But it is hoped that, in the future, the facility will give the firm “scope to expand” during a “boom” period for the industry.

They said: “We’re trying to create somewhere people want to go to, we want people in there.

“But in terms of the overall workforce I don’t think there’s any way we’re going apart from increasing numbers.

“I think over the next 10 or 15 years it’s going to be a boom business.”

The proposed new factory (Image: Siemens Mobility)

Under the current plans, if approved, Siemens would purchase and develop large plots of the business park, which was delivered by Baylis Estates.

It is hoped the new factory will be operational by 2026, in line with the end of Siemens’ lease on the Langley Park site.

The Langley Park factory has been part of Siemens’ global operation since 2013, but the company says it is no longer “economically viable” as it seeks to implement future expansion plans.

In their design and access statement, they said: “The study determined that to remain at Langley Park is not economically viable; that future expansion plans would not be possible; or that Siemens’ sustainability aspirations cannot be met.

“Following a review of potential alternative locations in Chippenham, Siemens has identified SouthPoint as the only realistic opportunity to deliver its requirements in full within its timescale.”

The proposed facility will have lab space on the ground floor with research and development offices on the two floors above.

The planned new Siemens facility in Chippenham (Image: Siemens Mobility)

This will be linked to a single-storey shared facilities spaces, leading to a manufacturing area, while a warehouse space will be located at the back of the development.

Siemens wants to make the space an “attractive” place to work and plans to create a canteen and restaurant, walking and picnic areas, and changing facilities for staff.

A consultation on the scheme will run until May 9.