Sainsbury’s sells Swindon site for mixed-use scheme

Family-owned early-stage investor RO Group has bought a 9.7-acre development site in Swindon, Wiltshire, from Sainsbury’s. RO Group is looking to bring forward a mixed-use scheme including roadside retail, industrial, logistics and storage. The proposed scheme would have a GDV of around £30m.  The site, known as Home Farm, is located on the A420 and forms a part of the New Eastern Villages development plan consisting of 8,000 homes, new schools, employment space and community facilities. Neighbouring occupiers include retailers such as Sainsbury’s and Dunelm, as well as regional distribution hubs for Amazon and Iceland. Nick Cashmore, investment director at RO Group, said: “We have diligently searched for sites in the south of England and have now identified the location for our next development. “We continue to seek new land opportunities similar to Home Farm with a focus on development sites with prominence and roadside visibility throughout the Midlands and South of England.” The acquisition and development of the site follows the group’s Solstice Park development in Amesbury and the RO24 industrial scheme at South Marston Park.  Avison Young advised Sainsbury’s on the deal; Savills represented RO Group. Photo © RO Group