Engineering a move
Engineering firm Babcock International has announced it is relocating its regional office to the site previously occupied by defence firm BAE systems.
The engineering group, which employs 500 people at its existing offices in Whetstone, will move its operations to Radar Road, in Braunstone Frith.
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BAE Systems ran its tank factory on the site until spring last year when it closed and 70 people lost their jobs.
The previous year, it had axed three-quarters of its 260-strong workforce at the plant.
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Before Babcock's move, which is due to take place next summer, the company will carry out an extensive refurbishment of the building.
The firm said the new premises would provide modern facilities for its employees.
Group property manager Rodney Ackland said: "This is a good fit for the Babcock operating divisions involved.
"We needed a new location in Leicestershire.
"The new office, which is only five miles away from our existing facility, will enable us to offer an improved working environment for employees relocating.
"Members of staff are aware of the proposal and we expect a smooth transition from the current location to Radar Road during summer 2013."
Mr Ackland could not comment on reasons for the move.
The new site is owned by James Wilson, managing director of Davidsons Developments, of Ibstock.
Mr Wilson and Paul Bagshaw, of Rotherhill Developments, worked with Babcock on the move, who were represented by Lambert Smith Hampton. Babcock currently leases its offices on the Whittle Industrial Estate in Whetstone where it provides support services for nuclear power stations.
The site's future is not clear.
Mr Wilson said: "When we were approached by Babcock looking for an alternative location, we considered that the site at Radar Road would meet all their needs.
"There is 70,000 sq ft of accommodation including 50,000 sq ft of office space on four acres of land with very good road connections. All in all, a great spot for a modern regional office."
Mr Bagshaw said: "We're delighted that Babcock is staying in Leicestershire."
Babcock International Group is the UK's leading engineering support services company and employs 25,000 people worldwide.
The construction work on the site will begin this autumn.
BAE's closure followed its failure to win a £4 billion MoD contract to make 1,300 armoured vehicles for the British Army, which instead went to US firm General Dynamics.
Comments
by barrybeaver
Tuesday, September 04 2012, 2:23PM
“So what's going to happen to the Whetstone site that dates back to manufacturing Whittle's engines? Such a pity for this history to be lost.
And will the rest of the site descend in to disrepair in the same way as the Littlethorpe Road end, which is already an unsightly and dangerous rubbish tip.”