BP has announced plans to vacate its offices located in Sunbury, Surrey, and St James’s Square in London, with a move to a new headquarters at Timber Square in Southwark scheduled for 2028.
A senior official from Spelthorne Borough Council (SBC), which oversees the Sunbury site where approximately 1,800 employees are based, expressed that the company will be „sadly missed.“ A spokesperson for BP indicated that this transition aims to enable the company to „work smarter and faster.“
Local Reactions to BP’s Departure
Joanne Sexton, the leader of SBC, described the announcement as unexpected. She reassured residents and local businesses that the council would adopt a careful approach, collaborating with BP and expert advisors to explore options that would benefit the community, support local employment, and optimize the use of this significant site.
Lawrence Nichols, chair of the commercial assets sub-committee, shared his concerns regarding the potential impact on the local community. He stated, „They’ve been a great employer, they’ve been great for the borough, and (BP) is going to be really sadly missed. I hate to describe them as irreplaceable, but it’s going to be very difficult to fill the gap when they go.“
BP’s Strategic Shift
A BP representative elaborated on the company’s strategic direction, stating, „We are taking steps to build a simpler, stronger, and more valuable BP, including bringing our teams and leaders closer together. This office move will help us to work smarter and faster, strengthen decision-making, and create more opportunities for meaningful, in-person collaboration.“
Despite the impending relocation, SBC noted that BP still has time remaining on its leases at the Sunbury site. Under the terms of various agreements, the company remains accountable for all rental and lease obligations.
As BP prepares for this significant transition, the local community and council officials are left to navigate the implications of the company’s departure.
Bildquelle: Unsplash / Andy Li
