TransWilts volunteer partner Siemens Mobility has been granted planning permission for a £100 million manufacturing, research and development centre at Southpoint Business Park south of Chippenham. It is hoped construction will be completed by 2026.
The complex will also include testing facilities for new railway signalling technology and replace their existing base in the town’s Langley Park. The company says it needs to move as the constraints of the current buildings prevent it expanding and remaining economically viable.
Siemens Mobility Joint CEO Rob Morris said: “This £100 million investment is a strong commitment to Chippenham and our country. Siemens Mobility’s Chippenham site, along with our 30 sites across the country, has been transforming rail travel and transport in Britain – and it will continue to do so with cloud-based rail technology connecting the real and the digital worlds, digitalizing rail.”
Over the last 12 months Siemens Mobility has been part of Community Rail Network’s volunteering project and has provided staff locally for a number of initiatives including a TransWilts organised litter pick at Trowbridge in February. TransWilts is very pleased to have representation from Siemens Mobility on its Board.