Honda signs taken down at former Swindon factory

But now, the Honda signs which once adorned the former factory and roads leading into the site off Highworth Road have been taken down as new owners Panattoni prepare for a £700m revamp.

The logistics and warehousing builder took over the site after the Japanese car manufacturer closed down the long-running plant at the end of July last year.

In the months since then, Swindon Borough Council has been working with both companies to make the handover as smooth as possible.

There are plans for new facilities which - it is hoped - will set a new high standard for industrial, storage and distribution spaces.

Ten units will be built around the 145-hectare space and a large park with a lagoon will feature at the south of the site. The project team is targeting a BREEAM Excellent Rating to make the state-of-the-art structures as eco-friendly as possible.

The application seeks permission to create a logistics and manufacturing centre, develop the site for light industrial, storage, distribution, and general industrial and manufacturing uses, and create a new public park.

Around 7,000 new jobs will be created on-site over the next 10 years.

The old Honda site. Picture: DAVE COX (Image: Dave Cox)