Managers vow to target mixed use of sanofi-aventis's redundant Dagenham plant
Sanofi-aventis press release, Guildford, UK – June 21, 2011
Senior managers at sanofi-aventis’s Dagenham manufacturing plant have pledged their wholehearted support for mixed use of the site following the proposed closure of operations in 2013.
Addressing a public meeting in Dagenham as part of an ongoing consultation process, they reiterated their determination to create diverse employment opportunities and rejected fears that they would happily see the land turned over to a single use such as retail or warehousing.
Their comments came last night as more than 160 people gathered to hear an update on possible future options for the 108-acre site. Sanofi-aventis managers were joined on stage by representatives of Barking & Dagenham Council, the NHS and nationally recognised regeneration experts.
Jim Moretta, sanofi-aventis Site Leader – Dagenham, told the meeting: “If at the end of 2013 all we have is just some supermarket retail solutions and maybe some large warehouse, we will have failed. I will regard it as a personal failure.”
He added: “If we end up with a solution that has a whole range of things – around science, businesses, manufacturing, maybe some warehousing, maybe some retail, maybe some health services, definitely some sports and social facilities – that will be success. The success lies in the range of things we are trying to get as an outcome.”
Sanofi-aventis, which currently employs around 450 full-time and contract workers at Dagenham, announced its closure decision in November 2009. Senior executives have since been working on ambitious plans to launch a regeneration programme aimed at creating new business opportunities and new jobs to replace those that will be lost.
As part of the process, sanofi-aventis has appointed Cheshire-based regeneration specialist SOG Ltd to oversee the strategy and has appointed Savills, one of Europe’s most successful commercial property agents, to co-ordinate sales, marketing and planning. It is hoped to submit an outline planning application as part of the regeneration programme before the end of this year.
Addressing last night’s public meeting, Neil Rowley, Director of Planning and Regeneration at Savills, predicted a potentially lengthy process: “We have started to look at what the master plan might constitute,” he told the audience. “We are very happy to receive your views.”
Meanwhile sanofi-aventis was praised for its commitment to seeking a lasting legacy for its Dagenham site following more than 75 years of manufacturing. Peter Harris, a local resident and business owner, said: “What they are doing here with this site is absolutely fantastic.”
Mr Harris, who is also Vice-President of Barking & Dagenham Chamber of Commerce, added: “For any business to think of their moral obligations to the local residents and its current employees is brilliant when it would have been far, far easier to lock the gates and sell it to the highest bidder.”
A number of panel members had previously visited The Heath Business and Technical Park, a former ICI plant in Runcorn which was rescued and regenerated by SOG Ltd, leading to around 175 organisations and 2,000 jobs being attracted.
Councillor Tony Ramsay of Barking & Dagenham Council said: “At ICI they cut and run but there were enough local people there willing to take the initiative that they were able to regenerate the whole site.”
He added: “Instead of just allowing one developer to take over, working together in partnership they were able to get whole groups of new little industries involved and use those skills which had built up in that area again. So there are things which we are learning from the Runcorn experience.”
During the meeting panellists faced a broad range of questions from the public, dealing with issues as diverse as local transport needs, the involvement of students in the consultation process, land remediation initiatives and the participation of local businesses in any building projects on site.
Audience members were also eager for an update on proposals for the NHS to create a health facility on the sanofi-aventis plant. Terry Huff, Finance Director of Outer North East London NHS, confirmed that talks were taking place with organisations and individuals including sanofi-aventis, Barking & Dagenham Council, the Mental Health Trust, dental schools and local GPs.
Mr Huff stressed that the case for a health facility on the site, which has been the subject of massive speculation, is part of a strategic review being undertaken on local health services. The draft report is due to be completed by August 1. A case will then be made to the strategic health authority NHS London in September which must give approval for any development. The public can make their views known via email at communications@onel.nhs.uk
“No decisions as yet have been made,” said Mr Huff.
A second public meeting is scheduled to be held on October 6 ahead of a formal planning application being submitted to Barking & Dagenham Council by the end of 2011.
About sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis, one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, has been associated with Dagenham for more than 76 years through its manufacturing centre where life-saving medicines, including oncology drugs for treatment of various cancers, are distributed to over 80 countries worldwide. Sanofi-aventis’ global headquarters are in Paris with UK headquarters in Guildford, Surrey.
For further information please contact:
Media: Paul Smith Associates (PSA)
Tel: 01420 22532
E-mail: newsdesk@paulsmithassociates.co.uk
Sanofi-aventis – Dagenham: Mark Bass, Land Development and Partnership Leader
Tel: 0208 919 3290
E-mail: mark.bass@sanofi-aventis.com