Plan to build on Swindon’s recent economic success backed by Cabinet

Swindon Borough Council’s Economic Growth Plan establishes a framework for driving investment, supporting business growth, delivering regeneration and creating high-quality jobs over the next five years.

The plan, which was approved by the Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday (4 March), brings together economic development, infrastructure, skills and place-making into a single, coordinated strategy.

Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, visited Panattoni Park last week to share the draft plan with James Watson, Development Director at Panattoni, with the company’s development playing an integral part in Swindon’s continued economic growth success story.

Panattoni Park, located on the former Honda site, is one of the largest industrial redevelopment opportunities in Europe. The plan identifies the site as central to Swindon’s next phase of advanced manufacturing, with the potential to attract high-value employers in clean energy, component manufacturing and defence supply chains.

The Economic Growth Plan builds on Swindon’s strong economic foundations, with the Borough already generating more than £10bn in Gross Value Added and ranking among the most productive places in the UK for output per hour worked. Combined with a growing working-age population, established global employers and a strategic location on the M4 corridor with direct links to London and Bristol, it highlights how Swindon is well positioned for long-term growth.

The plan also recognises the challenges the Borough must address, including skill gaps, town centre regeneration, infrastructure capacity and the need to attract and retain young talent, setting out clear actions to respond.

It focuses on seven core themes, including business and investment, regeneration, infrastructure, the green economy, skills and community wealth building.

A focus on advanced and sustainable manufacturing, financial and professional services and defence-related industries are highlighted as priorities for the Borough in the future.

The regeneration of the town centre through the Heart of Swindon vision and investment in skills, aligning with national industrial and defence strategies, are also seen as key in strengthening Swindon’s case for investment.

Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “Swindon has a long history of responding to change and building on its strengths. This Economic Growth Plan sets out a clear direction for the next five years and how we intend to support businesses, attract investment and create the right conditions for growth.

“We already have one of the most productive economies in the UK, which provides a strong foundation for the future. Our focus now is on strengthening key sectors, investing in skills and ensuring our town centre and major employment sites are ready to support emerging industries. By positioning Swindon as an attractive place for businesses, investment and skilled workers, we can help create high-quality jobs and a thriving local economy that benefits residents and supports the Council’s long-term ambitions for the town.

“Panattoni Park is a significant part of that future. The redevelopment of the former Honda site provides an opportunity to attract advanced manufacturing and clean energy companies, supporting high-quality employment and reinforcing Swindon’s role as an important economic centre in the region.”

James Watson, Development Director at Panattoni, said: “It was great to meet Jim last week and to be presented with a copy of the Economic Growth Plan. It is an impressive document, which really sells Swindon as a progressive, can-do place where businesses can thrive.

“This is certainly what I have experienced during my time in Swindon and we are incredibly grateful for the support we have received from the Council in helping to ensure the successful redevelopment of the former Honda car plant. 

“The project will generate thousands of jobs for local people and marks a major milestone with our first building now reaching practical completion and being ready for occupation. Having already invested £300m of the projected £900m total, we are delighted with the progress being made and look forward to sharing further exciting announcements in the near future.”