A new state-of-the-art commercial hub for a global contact lens manufacturer is planned for Southampton, following advice from international law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD).
CooperVision is planning for the creation of The Vision Centre, a facility of more than 10,000 square metres which will bring together its UK-based R&D division, UK-based Global Technical Innovations Group, and additional commercial and business functions, in Southampton.
Aiming for completion in 2026, the new facility looks to have capacity for more than 400 employees and is designed to foster collaboration and innovation, with the two-storey facility designed around modern workplace and well-being principles and able to accommodate the diverse need of various departments.
A transatlantic WBD team led by partner Nikki Powell from the firm's core real estate team advised on all aspects of the initiative, from commercial head of terms to the exchanging of contracts.
Assisting in the deal from the UK side of the firm was associate Nesa Kayoueche and partner Tim Burbidge on real estate matters, managing associate Amy Hodge and trainee legal executive Lenny Dalby providing advice on planning and construction, associate Emma Cunningham-Burley assisting on commercial matters, and partner Amy Gallimore and associate Laura Beardsmore advising on corporate requirements.
Colleagues from WBD's US teams also provided support, with advice from partners Jill Davidson and Laura Hoag as well as associate Alex Hill on corporate matters.
Nikki said:
"This planned new hub for CooperVision demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to world-class work environments. It brings new development and investment in to Southampton as a fantastic place to do world-leading business. We are thrilled to have played a part in helping steer this project.
As with any major initiative of this size and involving a global company like CooperVision, it was vital to ensure we could provide suitable advice across a range of matters from wherever the organisation needed it, and it was fantastic working with our US colleagues to provide international support."
In addition to the planned development of The Vision Centre, the company is also exploring opportunities to further enhance its commercial and distribution facility at Delta Park as well as further invest in its Hampshire manufacturing sites.
