Rishi Sunak has labelled the redevelopment of Swindon’s former Honda plant as a “fantastic” scheme that will create thousands of jobs.

The Japanese carmaker closed its Swindon factory in 2021, causing 3,500 job losses.

But on Monday, March 3, developers Panattoni broke ground on a £900 million project to transform the site, starting with the demolition of the old factory buildings.

This will be followed by the construction of 11 warehouses, a project that could create up to 7,000 jobs and 5,000 “spin-off” jobs.

Swindon Advertiser: Rishi Sunak at the old Honda factoryRishi Sunak at the old Honda factory (Image: Number 10)

During a visit to the site, the Prime Minister said the plans made the scheme one of the biggest development projects in the south of the country.

He added: “It’s fantastic to be in Swindon to celebrate the ground-breaking of this Panattoni development thanks to the efforts of so many, including the two local MPs.

“What we’re able to celebrate today is one of the largest investments in the south, one of the largest development sites in the south, that’s going to create thousands and thousands of jobs.

“That’s fantastic for the local area, a huge vote of confidence not just in the UK economy, but in the local area in particular.

“What it means is everybody here can look forward to a brighter future.”