CooperVision Unveils Plans for The Vision Centre: the Workplace of Tomorrow

Global contact lens manufacturer, CooperVision, has announced plans for a new, state-of-the art technical, commercial and business hub in Southampton, UK, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and employee well-being.

Set for completion in 2026, The Vision Centre will bring together CooperVision’s UK-based R&D team, its UK-based Global Technical Innovations Group, and various commercial and business functions. At just over 10,000 square metres and with capacity for over 400 employees, the facility represents a significant investment in both people and place, further cementing the company’s footprint on the UK’s south coast.

Featuring a spectacular light-filled atrium and what the company terms a ‘green heart’ at its centre, the two-storey cutting-edge facility is designed to foster collaboration and promote innovation. It will feature the latest in workplace design thinking and include modern amenities, such as a well-being suite, eco-friendly design elements and versatile workspaces to accommodate the diverse needs of the company’s growing teams.

Debbie Olive, President EMEA at CooperVision, highlighted the importance of the new facility: “We are proud to be a global leader in the contact lens category and this investment highlights our commitment to providing world-class environments that enable colleagues to be at their absolute best at work.” Francis Erard, Vice President of Research & Development at CooperVision, added: “The design brings together colleagues from R&D, Technical Innovations, Commercial and Business functions into one inspiring and supportive environment. In parallel, our US-based R&D team will integrate into our corporate headquarters in California under the same concept.”

The Vision Centre is part of CooperVision’s regional four-point strategy to develop the Workplaces of Tomorrow, focusing on:

• Place: Creating world-class work environments.
• People: Ensuring outstanding work experiences.
• Value: Developing smart workplaces that enhance efficiency.
• Sustainability: Commitment to practices that benefit both people and planet.

In addition to the development of The Vision Centre, the company is also exploring opportunities to further enhance its Delta Park commercial and distribution facility and make further investment in its Hampshire manufacturing sites.