MP speaks out as major Oxford employer could close HQ

Unipart, which employs more than 1,000 people in its head office and warehouse, labelled its HQ as “not fit for purpose”.

And with the lease due to expire in August 2027, its future from Garsington Road is being reconsidered.

Dame Anneliese, the Labour MP for Oxford East, said: “I have been seeking a meeting with Unipart, which I hope can happen soon.

“I was very concerned to hear about the potential closure of the Unipart HQ and warehouse, given the impact that this would have on local people.”

Unipart has so far not responded to our request for further information surrounding its future in the city.

This newspaper has asked whether it would look to stay in Oxford, Oxfordshire or move outside the county.

We have also asked why the building is no longer fit for purpose and whether any jobs are under threat.

Historically, Unipart has closed operations in Oxford before. The company shut down its Woodstock Road factory in 1998, with operations transferring to Coventry.

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While the Cowley site is currently under the microscope, Unipart maintains a long-term presence in Oxfordshire and recently secured a major new seven-year production logistics contract at the neighboring MINI Plant in Cowley.

If the head office and warehouse was to close in Cowley, the multi-million-pound deal would not be affected by this.

In a statement, a spokeswoman for the company said previously: “Unipart confirms that it is reviewing future options for its head office, currently at Unipart House, Cowley, in Oxford.

“The current lease expires in August 2027 and the site is no longer fit for purpose for its workplace needs.

“Unipart is using this as an opportunity to identify a solution that provides a modern, collaborative, sustainable workplace for colleagues.

“The current lease ends in 2032 for Unipart’s Cowley warehouse, with a break clause in August 2027, so a review has also begun to explore options for this.

“It is discussing this with relevant colleagues and colleague forums and will keep them fully updated on developments.”

John Neill, the former chairman of Uniparts, said in 2023 that investment could be shifted to the United States or Europe due to subsidies overseas.

Mr Neill announced his retirement after 50 years in 2024.

Unipart has been based in Cowley since the brand’s inception in 1974.

Originally formed as the parts division for British Leyland, the logistics and manufacturing giant has operated out of its Garsington Road headquarters for over half a century.