The 545,000 square foot unit at the former Honda manufacturing site in South Marston has reached practical completion. It offers a first glimpse inside the vast industrial space that could soon welcome a major new occupier.
National reporting in The Times has linked the site to plans by the Ministry of Defence to potentially establish an indoor drone testing and evaluation facility at the park. There has been no formal confirmation of those plans.
If confirmed, the move would mark a significant moment in the transformation of the former Honda site from a major automotive plant into a hub for logistics, advanced engineering and defence-related technology.
Panattoni says it has invested around £300 million into the redevelopment so far. The wider scheme is valued at £915 million and aims to create one of the largest industrial parks in the UK.
The newly completed building is one of two speculative units constructed on the site. A second building totalling 915,000 square feet is due to complete shortly and has been described as the largest speculative warehouse ever constructed in the UK.
Together, the two units provide almost 1.5 million square feet of new industrial space. The former Honda factory covered around two million square feet.
James Watson, Head of Development for Southern England and London at Panattoni, said:
“It has been an extremely productive and busy 12 months. We have invested approximately £300 million of our estimated £915 million total budget for the scheme, enabling us to deliver two high quality, state of the art logistics and manufacturing buildings fit for the next generation,” he said.
Watson said the backing of Swindon Borough Council had helped drive progress.
“The collaboration with the Council’s planning and inward investment teams has been exceptional,” he said.
“The proactive and solutions-focused approach we have experienced here reinforces our confidence in the significant employment opportunities this development can deliver for the town.”
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, recently toured the completed unit.
“Panattoni Park is set to play a crucial role in strengthening Swindon’s position as a leading economic hub in the years ahead,” Cllr Robbins said.
“I have always been clear that we must be ambitious for this site and do everything we can to attract highly skilled, advanced manufacturing roles. I am therefore greatly encouraged by the interest from firms that recognise Swindon’s strategic location and the strength and productivity of our workforce.
“Seeing the first completed unit was a real milestone moment, and the progress achieved in just 12 months has been remarkable.
The Honda plant closed in 2021 after decades at the heart of Swindon’s economy. Thousands of people were employed on site, with many more jobs supported across the supply chain.
Panattoni estimates the completed park could support around 7,000 on-site jobs. A further 11,000 roles could be created across the wider supply chain.
The identity of the first confirmed tenant is expected to signal the next chapter for the site. Whether it becomes a major logistics hub or a centre for defence technology, the redevelopment of one of Swindon’s most important industrial sites is now firmly underway.
