The new Brompton factory project, already delayed for two years, is expected to be approved by local councillors first. It will then be referred to Housing Minister Angela Rayner due to flood risk.
British folding bicycle manufacturer Brompton plans to relocate its production from west London to Ashford , Kent. The new, eco-friendly factory is to be built on a 40-hectare site, where a 24-hectare nature reserve with cycle paths is also planned. The project, which will cost more than £100 million, is awaiting the green light despite a 99 percent drop in company profits.
Something for you - Brompton - innovation and quality
Investment without support for car owners
The most controversial aspect of Brompton's new factory design is the complete lack of parking. Employees and visitors will have to use public transport, bicycles, or walk. However, the company is in discussions about using nearby shopping center and train station car parks.
The project, initially scheduled for completion in 2027, is already facing a two-year delay. The situation hasn't been helped by a dramatic decline in the company's profits, from £10.7 million in 2023 to just £4,602 in 2024. Will Butler-Adams , Brompton's managing director, admits the cycling industry is in a difficult situation following the pandemic boom.
An additional obstacle is the factory's location in a floodplain. Brompton assures that the innovative stilted structure will protect the facility from flooding. However, the Environment Agency has concerns about the project's impact on the local environment.
The new factory is expected to double the company's production capacity to 200,000 bicycles per year and create up to 4,000 jobs. Butler-Adams emphasizes that the project is part of the global trend of redesigning cities around people, not cars. "We have an important role to play in this transformation, but we need more space to innovate and create the products of the future," he says.
See also - A test of the most popular folding bikes in the UK
Innovative solutions in the new factory
The project is distinguished by a number of innovative solutions. The building's stilt-based structure not only addresses flooding risks, but also minimizes environmental impact. Water will be able to flow freely beneath the elevated factory, and local fauna will maintain their natural migration corridors.
The plant will be powered by renewable energy, and its roof will be covered with solar panels and rain gardens to help manage stormwater. The ventilation system will utilize natural airflows, significantly reducing the need for air conditioning.
Inside the factory, there will be a modern research and development center, where engineers will work on the next generation of folding bicycles. Visitors will be able to observe the production process from glass walkways, and an interactive museum will tell the history of the brand and show the evolution of its products. A training center for future bicycle mechanics will complement the facility.
Leave a comment