A look back in time at abandoned Intel HQ set to become flats

Intel UK first set up its European HQ on Piper's Way in Swindon in 1982.

The tech giant invested more than £5 million into constructing a purpose-built office complex, and photos from the Swindon Advertiser archives show the progress of this development, from the first dig in the ground to the topping out ceremony.

The photos give us glimpses of computers that were once considered cutting-edge.

Thamesdown Mayor Jim Cordon at the topping out ceremony for Intel’s UK3 offices in May 1989. (Image: Newsquest)

Thamesdown Mayor Percy Jefferies, with mayoress Olivia, learns about computers from Colin Evans and (Image: Newsquest)

During its 40+ years at the Pipers Way site, Intel became a core part of Swindon, with staff often seen supporting local town causes and fundraising events including a Three Peaks Challenge, tai chi class, big sleep out, roadshows, and big donations to local schools and charities.

However, Intel employees were first told of the company’s plans to leave the site in July 2023.

The tech giant vacated the large building in 2025 and all of its staff, around 1,000 employed in Swindon, now work remotely.

Intel PR exec Orietta Sutherberry with administrator Jill Franklin in March 1996. (Image: Newsquest)

At the time, the business said it would continue to be committed to Swindon by having a presence in the area, including lab and office space.

However, the search for a suitable space for a new HQ is still ongoing.

MCR Property Group, the development company which is expected to start demolition of  Regent Circus in the town centre any time now, has now applied to convert the three-storey office building into 112 flats.

During its four decades as Intel UK HQ, the site was made up of three interlinked buildings, with 500 car parking spaces.

The purpose-built offices consisted of 187,000 square feet of office space on a 12.87-acre site.

Intel UK's former office block in Swindon could become 112 flats (Image: A Thomas)

An Intel spokesperson told the Swindon Advertiser that the huge firm is “shifting our global real estate strategy to focus on fewer, more populated locations and eliminate underutilized space.” 

The application, submitted by MCR Property Group states: “The proposed development will bring a large building back into productive use and make a meaningful contribution to addressing the current shortfall in housing supply.

"The re‑use and adaptation of the existing structure for residential purposes aligns with national and local planning policies promoting sustainable development and the efficient use of land.”

Planning documents show the office could be converted into a mixture of two-bed, single-bed and studio flats.