Brompton plans bicycle factory on stilts

UK-based folding bicycle manufacturer Brompton has unveiled plans to build a new factory on stilts on a 100-acre floodplain outside Ashford, Kent.

The facility, which is being supported by Ashford Borough Council, would open in 2027 and eventually be capable of producing more than 200,000 bikes a year.

The surrounding area would be converted into a 60-acre public nature reserve, with the floodplain restored to wetland. Meanwhile, most of the 1,500 staff the company plans to employ at the building would commute by bike using a network of cycle paths and trails. Only a few parking spaces would be built, for disabled employees.

The building has been designed by architect Guy Hollaway, who also designed Folkestone’s F-51 skatepark, under construction by local contractor Jenner.

Brompton also outlined plans for the factory, which is being developed in conjunction with Quinn Estates, to contain “outstanding” levels of insulation, as well as using natural light and air flow to minimise energy consumption. Brompton also plans to use solar and ground source energy to contribute to the factory’s energy demands.

Brompton’s current factory in Greenford, West London, will continue to operate until at least 2030.

Will Butler-Adams, CEO at Brompton, said: “As we face climate change, combined with poor mental and physical health in our cities, where most of the world population live, we need to adapt. There has been a global realisation post-pandemic that we need to change how we live in our cities, to design them around the people that live in them, not the automobile. Brompton has a large part to play in supporting that transition, but we need to have more space to innovate and create the products of the future.

“London was the inspiration for the Brompton and our success is in large part is due to our diverse and skilled staff who continue to nurture and develop our company. By choosing Ashford we can retain this strong connection to London and the UK, whilst being on the doorstep of Europe.

“We have a long journey ahead with the planning and development of the new site, but we’re thankful for the support of Ashford Borough Council, Hollaway Studios and Quinn Estates towards achieving our combined ambition to build this revolutionary and sustainable bicycle factory of the future.”