Council welcomes Unilever’s plans for a new campus in Kingston
Unilever today announced plans to build on its presence in Kingston and establish a new campus in the town.
The plan for the new Eden Campus will bring more than 2,000 jobs and is a great boost to the local economy at a time of huge uncertainty as a result of COVID-19.
The development plans include offices, car parking designed for electric vehicles and a new residential building. Should the scheme be granted planning permission, Unilever hopes to move the site in Winter 2023/2024.
Kingston Council leader Caroline Kerr welcomed Unilever's plans to relocate its UK headquarters to Kingston saying:
“Today’s announcement by Unilever is a fantastic endorsement of Kingston as a great place to live and work. It’s testament to all involved that an organisation with the international profile of Unilever is planning to expand its presence in the borough.
"This is especially welcome news at this critical time in the COVID-19 pandemic and brings huge opportunities for local employment with more than 2,000 jobs at the new town centre headquarters. This is a fantastic boost for our economy - it is a clear signal that Kingston is very much open for business and welcomes new employers to the town.
"Of course the plans need to follow the appropriate planning process and will be subject to the normal scrutiny and consultation.”
Unilever’s announcement comes on the back of Lidl’s decision to locate its new headquarters in Tolworth, employing 800 people. Kingston University recently opened its new landmark Town House building designed to welcome the local community and students.
Cube Real Estate’s planning application for the site is expected to be received today and will start the formal planning process.
As an existing local business Unilever is a member of the Kingston Economic Recovery Task Force, created in July 2020 in response to COVID-19 and the resulting economic challenges the borough faces both now and in the future. The taskforce, a partnership between the council, public sector and businesses, is guiding and coordinating Kingston’s economic recovery with the aim of creating a fairer and greener economy by being more resilient, productive, sustainable and inclusive.