New bridge unites existing Goodwood site with major Rolls-Royce extension

Rolls-Royce installs 30m steel bridge linking its current Goodwood base to the under-construction extension. A key step in factory expansion.

A new bridge now spans the site of Rolls-Royce’s Goodwood plant, linking the existing building with the under-construction extension — a bold step in the company’s largest expansion project since the site opened in 2003.

Made of steel and measuring 30 metres in length, the bridge was prefabricated in Scotland and transported to West Sussex as a single unit. The delivery, executed over narrow rural roads, presented serious logistical challenges that required precise coordination between the company, contractors, and local authorities.

But the bridge is more than a passageway. It connects not just buildings, but eras — merging the heritage of a well-established manufacturing base with the vision of Rolls-Royce’s future. The new building it links to will house a high-tech Surface Finish Centre (a next-generation paint shop), as well as new areas for Bespoke and Coachbuild projects, and an upgraded logistics zone.

The structure draws inspiration from Goodwood’s existing “Skywalk” — a design feature that appears to float above the production line. The new bridge echoes this aesthetic, aligning with the brand’s philosophy of elegance and technical precision.

According to company representatives, the bridge marks the first physical connection between the current facility and the future extension, a critical component in streamlining internal logistics and supporting forthcoming production operations.

Rolls-Royce expressed gratitude to the local community for its patience and cooperation, emphasising that the project is progressing in close coordination with public authorities and with minimal disruption to residents.

While the bridge and new building remain steel frameworks for now, they are expected to evolve quickly. Once completed, this physical link will likely become a central artery in Rolls-Royce’s operational infrastructure for years to come.

Source: rolls-roycemotorcars.com