Rolls-Royce’s HQ to receive huge upgrade
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has secured planning permission for an extension to its manufacturing plant and global headquarters at Goodwood.
The application, which was submitted last summer, was formally approved by Chichester District Council at a full Planning Committee meeting.
The company is seeking to secure its long-term future in the area with the largest investment in the Goodwood site since it opened its doors in 2003
In that time, while the main building’s overall footprint has remained largely unchanged, the business has grown and evolved substantially. It is now one of the largest employers in West Sussex, with a workforce of over 2,500 people; 180 new jobs were created last year alone.
An independent study by the London School of Economics in 2023 found that Rolls-Royce contributes around £110m annually to the local economy.
The company estimates that, when complete, this extension will boost this figure by a further £71m per year, as well as the potential to create over 1,000 new jobs.
Rolls-Royce plans to upgrade its current production facilities and replace old and obsolete equipment in readiness for its future, all-electric product line-up. The planning application details how Rolls-Royce aims both to minimise the development’s impact on the local community and resolve existing issues, particularly around traffic volumes and congestion.
The company states that creating substantial new parking and decoupling staff arrival and departure times will eliminate delays, noise and disruption on local roads at shift changeover times. The footpath between Westhampnett and Westerton will be diverted, resurfaced, widened and landscaped to provide yearround, all-weather access for all users.
Through the planning process, Rolls-Royce has gone to great lengths to acknowledge and allay local concerns. The company held a series of information events for residents to view the plans, express concerns and provide feedback.
Rolls-Royce contributes around £110 million annually to the local economy