Gordon Murray Group has had its planning application approved to build a new global headquarters and technology campus in Windlesham, Surrey.

Surrey Heath Borough Council unanimously approved the application, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is in full support of the Council’s decision to give the go-ahead to the new £50 million campus which will be built on a 54-acre site, housing ‘state of the art’ facilities for vehicle design, development, advanced engineering and manufacture. The 140,000ft² development will see the creation of 100 highly-skilled jobs.

Planning approval has paved the way for the three-year construction project to begin on the historic site in June. The first phase is expected to be completed by December 2022 and will be the first of three buildings, housing the manufacturing facility, a customer sales suite, servicing and a heritage vehicle display.

A test track to check all vehicles coming off of the production line is also planned. Two further phases will follow and the whole site is expected to be completed by 2024.

One of the most beautiful settings
Professor Gordon Murray, Gordon Murray Group chairman, said: “This facility has been in the design and planning phase for over three years, with many obstacles to overcome, so it is extremely exciting that we have now been given the green light to begin construction.

“Windlesham Park must be one of the most beautiful settings and it will be a fantastic new home for the Gordon Murray Group and a great campus for our customers to visit. This significant investment marks a new chapter for our business.

“This will be a world-class facility, attracting world-class talent and we intend it to be something that the British automotive industry can be proud of as we gather momentum for even greater success.”

The new headquarters and technology campus will be named Highams Park in memory of the site’s historic significance. It was farmed in the 18th century, before being used for Highams Hall, the private residence of the Leschalles family. From 1984 to 2007 it was the site of BOC’s global headquarters and was acquired by the Gordon Murray Group in 2020.

The Gordon Murray Group is ensuring that the historic buildings and 54-acre park land are retained, preserved and enhanced. Restoration work has already commenced on the North side of the site where original buildings are being renovated, including a locally listed 19th century clock tower and its original mechanism. The Group is also committed to planting 112 new trees and returning the Victorian gardens and paths to their former glory.