ZURICH has announced it is currently in talks to open another office in Swindon town centre.

The insurance and financial services firm, which already employs around 600 staff at its offices in the town, is in discussion with Swindon Borough Council to build state-of-the-art offices on the Kimmerfields regeneration site.

The new site will also include a number of new homes built by Homes England, a new government agency to fast-track the building of new homes on disused land.

Steve Collinson, head of HR, Zurich UK said: “Zurich enjoys a long history as one of Swindon’s largest and most prominent employers, however our current premises are in need of an update. We’re now in discussions with Swindon Borough Council about working in partnership to redevelop the Kimmerfields site, adjacent to our current offices.

“The talks are still in their early stages, but we are pleased to be playing an important role in the ongoing regeneration of the town, providing new premises for our people and enhancing the local environment.”

Swindon Borough Council welcomed the interest from Zurich to help with its Town Centre regeneration plans.

Councillor Dale Heenan, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for the Town Centre, said: “The council’s regeneration of the town centre has been in the pipeline for the last 10 years, but we are now finally close to a major deal with Zurich and the Government agency Homes England.

“This deal will see construction start on new larger, modern, fit-for-purpose offices in our town centre next year.

“Visible progress for local residents and businesses is our number one aim so 2019 will be a major year for Swindon.

“Work should start on the indoor ski slope and leisure park at North Star, the Great Western main line has been electrified and the new GWR timetable will mean London is 45 minutes away, and now Kimmerfields.”