Major local employer to remain in Dorset following planning success

Poole-based engineering firm IMI will be maintaining its presence on the south coast following BCP Council’s decision to grant permission for a highly sustainable warehouse and manufacturing scheme on the former Siemens plc site.

The 19,253 sqm development will create 10 new buildings, all built to meet BREEAM Excellent standard and will ensure a substantial Biodiversity Net Gain with extensive tree and native hedgerow-planting as well as watercourse enhancements.

tor&co obtained planning permission on behalf of clients Kingsbridge, following extensive consultation with local stakeholders, senior council members as well as local councillors and members of the local community. This has ensured that IMI has secured the expansion space it needs, allowing it to meet decarbonising objectives and commitments to a more sustainable way of working.

The new centre of engineering excellence will ensure that IMI can keep 240 highly skilled engineering jobs in Dorset.

Development is expected to start in March this year with the first phase handover targeted for Spring 2026.

Images courtesy HNW Architects