New images have revealed the remnants of what was once Swindon's Honda factory, as demolition draws near to a close.

The car factory that once employed more than 3,000 people was closed in July 2021 in a devastating blow to employees, to make way for developer Panattoni's new plans.

Demolition has been ongoing at the Honda site since March 4, 2024, and Panattoni's £900m redevelopment will see 11 new buildings put up which can be used as manufacturing sites or warehouses.

The demolition site was visited by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in March, as he praised the new investment which could create up to 7,000 jobs and 5,000 “spin-off” jobs.

But since his visit, all that remains of the site is the bare framework of what was once Honda's thriving Swindon base that produced countless cars over nearly four decades.

The remnants of the former Honda factoryThe remnants of the former Honda factory (Image: Dave Cox)

Panattoni's name now covers the old entrance and exit gates to the complex and excavators continue to work hard, with more than 90 per cent of the material used in the fabric of the old factory is being recycled.

When completed in five years' time, the area will be opened up to the public with cycle routes and green spaces.

"What were able to celebrate today is one of the largest investments in the south," said the former Prime Minister.

"Everyone here can look forward to a brighter future."

But while Panattoni developers describe the project as a "phoenix from the ashes", for many in Swindon the torn-down factory undeniably marks the end of an era.

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