Business moves into office block coveted by Swindon sixth form

Cartus Corporation helps other big businesses around the world to relocate, and has itself recently relocated to Arclite House in Peatmoor, which it calls a “collaboration hub” for its employees.

The Park Academies Trust – which manages Lydiard Park Academy and Abbey Park School has tried to move its sixth form from Grange Park Way to the building, first opened in 1999.

But its bid to rent part of the building from owners Luton Borough Council has been blocked because the council prefers to have a commercial tenant.

Since the Adver first reported on the decision, senior figures at Swindon Borough Council have come out in support of the Trust's plans.

It has also received support from South Swindon MP Sir Robert Buckland, who wants Luton council to change its mind.

In the meantime, Cartus has set up inside the new offices to provide more flexibility for its staff who are working remotely on-site as part of a hybrid model.

Arclite House in Swindon (Image: Park Academies Trust)

A spokesman for the corporation, which is part of Anywhere Real Estate Inc, said: “The bespoke UK facility, with its striking design and lakeside location, helps support this new work model, fostering an inclusive environment for employees by ensuring they have a space that promotes enhanced collaboration, creativity, and communication.

“The flexible layout also amplifies Cartus’ continued focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion values.”

The office includes open hot-desking spaces for collaborative work, networking and informal huddle spaces, and revamped meeting rooms for more private discussions or in-depth project work and brainstorming.

The company’s training programs focus on strengthening and developing new power skills such as agility, resilience, and digital collaboration, which it hopes will enable the success of each employee when working remotely.

Cartus has also enhanced its diversity and inclusivity training to continue its commitment to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment, which executive senior vice president David Pascoe says is especially important with remote work arrangements.

Cartus' executive senior vice president David Pascoe cuts the ribbon to new office space in Arclite House, Swindon (Image: Cartus)

He added: “The flexibility and empowerment of our employees is an important part of Cartus’ vision and how we continue to engage with our talent to foster the unique team spirit of the Cartus family.

“We opened our first UK office in 1979, and investing in this new hub is another significant milestone in the company’s history."

Cartus' global head of human resources Tracy Edmonds, executive senior vice president David Pascoe, and vice president of global talent mobility, Alex Harris (Image: Cartus)