AN enormous crane looms over the town centre as construction of Zurich’s new headquarters continues.

The central column of the insurance giant’s building, which will form the main part of the Kimmerfields development, is gradually growing.

Work to build the six-storey structure on the brownfield area began in August.

More than 950 staff will work in more than 100,000sq ft of new office space over six floors and a function area on the roof once it’s complete in 2022.

Coun Dale Heenan said: “The huge crane dominating the Swindon skyline over the emerging Zurich headquarters is a perfect example of how Swindon is bouncing back quickly from the effects of the COVID pandemic.

"This is the first office block to be built in our town centre for 20 years and its significance will only be fully appreciated over time “We have secured nearly £100m for our town centre, change is happening now. If we look back in another 20 years’ time, we will recognise that Zurich’s commitment to Swindon was the first major building block in our transformed town centre.

"Over the next few years residents will see a huge change in this whole area with the development of the £33m Fleming Way Bus Station and the delivery of a new Wyvern Theatre and Cultural Quarter that will really put Swindon on the map.

"You can expect to see many more cranes on Swindon’s horizon!”

Once completed, the new HQ will be bought by Swindon Borough Council for £38 million and the authority will lease it back to Zurich to earn income from the rent.

Zurich UK’s chief operating officer John Keppel said: “Swindon has been home to Zurich for over 30 years and it’s gratifying to see things progress so promptly.

“We are all looking forward to seeing the building play an important role in regenerating the town centre.

“Watching the steel frame of the building be pieced together is quite a sight and this is shaping the external facing structure of Unity Place very nicely indeed.

“The next steps will be around developing the concrete core structure as well as the continued delivery of the steel which began to arrive on the 15th.

He explained: “It was important to us that this material was sourced from UK stockholders. I’m pleased to report that we’re still on target for completion in 2022.

“We value our Swindon employees a huge amount so it’s vital that we provide them with a workplace that suits their needs and helps them to continue to deliver great service to our customers while playing a valuable role in our local community.”

Sustainability will be a big part of the project, which is expected to achieve a BREEAM rating of excellent when finished and minimise waste during the construction process as well as throughout the site’s life.

The offices will be free of single-use plastic and aim to have nothing printed out or filed.

All post will be digitised and electric car charging points will be installed.

A central feature of the building will be an open atrium staircase which aims to encourage more walking between floors, and extra facilities for cyclists to encourage more sustainable ways of commuting.

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Picture: Zurich