Arup supported Siemens Mobility in designing a state-of-the-art factory, digital engineering and a research and development facility in Chippenham, Wiltshire. Representing a £100 million investment, the new site will replace an existing facility and accommodate approximately 800 staff across manufacturing, research, engineering and support functions.

We provided multi-disciplinary engineering design services, including structural, mechanical, civil and public health engineering. A key feature of the project is an office built to BREEAM 'Excellent' standard – placing it within the top 10% of buildings recognised by the sustainability certification.

The Arup-led design team provided comprehensive design and engineering expertise to develop the project. This included a facility built to the latest standards for efficient production, and offices designed to foster collaboration and innovation in the UK railway sector. The site, designed to harmonise with its surroundings, underwent an ecological assessment targeting a 10% net biodiversity gain through native planting and habitat creation.

The facility is expected to be operational by 2026.

Multi-disciplinary design in action

Arup’s integrated approach was embedded from the outset, working closely with Siemens Mobility to understand its operational needs and deliver a tailored, high-performance facility. Drawing on insights from Siemens Mobility’s Goole facility in East Yorkshire – also designed by Arup – the team helped internal stakeholders in applying lessons learned to the Chippenham site. This helped promote continuity, efficiency and innovation across both locations.

This approach was central to the success of this project, with Arup leading a multi-disciplinary team that included AHR Architects (as subconsultant) and collaborating closely with Edge PS Ltd and Montagu Evans LLP.

Through clear communication and shared goals, the team ensured an efficient design and tender process. To gain a deep understanding of end-user needs and site constraints, Arup held fortnightly workshops at Siemens Mobility’s Langley Park facility. This enabled the team to gather valuable insights into workplace dynamics and production workflows that directly shaped the final design.

A building with a glass front.

A £100 million state-of-the-art manufacturing, digital engineering and research & development facility.

A building with people walking around.

The site was ecologically assessed to achieve a 10% net biodiversity gain via native planting and habitat creation.

Integrated expertise for confident project delivery

We acted as a trusted advisor to the client, highlighting early critical considerations such as site levels, construction complexity and geotechnical risks.

To support timely and cost-effective delivery, we ensured the ground investigation work was completed early prior to contractor engagement. This allowed the client to confidently move forward with the project.

A building with people walking out front.

The Arup-led design team provided comprehensive design and engineering expertise on the project.

A large building with a parking lot.

The building accommodates approx. 800 staff across manufacturing, research and support roles.

A building with a glass front.

A key feature of the project is an office built to BREEAM 'Excellent' standard.

Designing for people and purpose

To meet the evolving needs of the project, we expanded our services to incorporate specialist and cross-disciplinary expertise, ensuring a holistic approach to design and delivery.

Drawing on insights from other Siemens Mobility’s projects, the client valued our contributions and welcomed the chance to explore fresh perspectives. Siemens Mobility’s strong focus on staff wellbeing and considerations beyond the immediate scope of the project highlighted the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive workplace. 

To further enhance the facility’s design, Arup’s accessibility team assessed key elements such as lighting levels, acoustics and other environmental factors, ensuring the spaces meet high standards of accessibility and comfort.

The Siemens Rail Technology Centre (SRTC) in Chippenham marks a £100m investment in a state-of-the-art manufacturing, digital engineering and R&D facility in Wiltshire. This project highlights the collaboration between all our project partners, including Arup who have been instrumental in shaping a design that reflects our operational needs and supports how our teams work and collaborate.

Nick Dunne

Siemens Rail Technology Centre (SRTC) Programme Leader, Siemens Mobility UK&I

Partners & collaborators

Architect: AHR Architects Ltd / Project Manager: Edge PS Ltd / Planning Consultant: Montagu Evans LLP