Work starts on new Asmodee UK 134,000 sq.ft head office & distribution centre
Construction of an eye-catching new head office in Whitehill & Bordon for Asmodee UK, one of Europe’s leading retail distributors of tabletop games, trading cards and accessories such as Dobble and Pokemon, has taken a significant step forward with a ground-breaking event on Tuesday the 28th of September.
The new purpose-built, 134,000 sq ft facility will be home to over 130 staff and create employment opportunities for local people. Facilities will include warehousing, operations, logistics, sales, marketing, purchasing, finance and more. Main construction work is due for completion in autumn 2022 with occupation after fit-out in summer 2023.
Alex Green, Managing Director of Esdevium Games Ltd (which trades as Asmodee UK and is part of the global Asmodee Group of games distributors and publishers), said:
“This larger building means we can bring our Asmodee UK team together under one roof for the first time. As a result, communications between our departments will be stronger and we can provide even better service to our customers which includes many of the major national toy and hobby retailers and independents in the UK and across Europe. Since relocating part of our operation to Bordon in 2018, it has been incredible to witness the radical transformation of the town centre which includes new local amenities and it has become an even more appealing location for our staff. We’re delighted to be part of this next phase of growth and development for the area.”
The Asmodee UK building will add further to the growing number of workspace and employment opportunities in Whitehill & Bordon, which is being transformed into a new sustainable place for business in a green, healthy and connected town. This includes SiGNAL with affordable workspaces for the self-employed and small business owners; and the Whitehill & Bordon Future Skills Centre for skills training and building industry apprenticeships.
The new commercial space is part of the transformation of Prince Philip Park, one of the UK’s largest, most sustainable and innovative regeneration projects. The development will take a community of 14,000 people to one with over 25,000 and includes a new town centre creating a place not just to shop and eat, but spaces to meet and spend time with friends, family and colleagues. The transformation includes new shops, offices, cafes, restaurants, skate park, a new leisure centre with more planned.
James Child, Project Lead of the Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company (WBRC), added:
“Our vision for Whitehill & Bordon is to create a great place to work, live and visit. The growth of Asmodee signals growing investment in the town, from small start-ups to established businesses. Our transformation of the former Prince Philip barracks includes large green spaces, such as the 54-hectare Hogmoor Inclosure which is next to the new Asmodee building and has been extremely popular during the past 18 months.”
The spade ceremony saw executives from Asmodee UK, WBRC and local dignitaries in attendance, including Andy Tree, Whitehill Town Councillor and Hampshire County Councillor and Adam Carew, Chairman of East Hampshire District Council (EHDC).
Speaking of the event, Andy Tree, Leader of Whitehill Town Council & Hampshire County Councillor for Whitehill, Bordon and Lindford, said:
“It was great to be able to meet the Asmodee UK directors at the groundbreaking event and learn more about the project. It’s fabulous to see the games giant build its new HQ in Whitehill & Bordon and the employment opportunities that this will bring are very exciting.”
Adam Carew, Chairman of East Hampshire and veteran local Councillor, added:
“I am absolutely thrilled Asmodee is setting up their HQ right here in Whitehill & Bordon. This means jobs, investment and a real boost for our local economy. The iconic design of the new HQ as well as its location on a former MoD brown field site ensure this will be an exciting new development for East Hampshire and fantastic news for Whitehill & Bordon.”