Nationwide has announced plans which could see the firm move its Northampton head office from Moulton Park closer to the town centre.
The 2,100 staff who are currently based at Moulton Park were told on Monday afternoon that the company was currently exploring two possible multi-million-pound development plans.
One would see the firm’s current Moulton Park site redeveloped, while the second would see the company move into Northampton’s Enterprise Zone - a section of land which stretches from Sixfields to Bedford Road which has been earmarked as a key development site by the Government.
A spokesman for the company said: “Nationwide has been based in Northampton for many years and we continue to see it as an important location for the society.
“With regards to our future in the town, we’re carrying out a review of the options available to us including the redevelopment of our existing site or the development of a new property in the Enterprise Zone in the town centre.
“Each option will give us the opportunity to create an environment that is fit for purpose and meets the needs of our employees and the society, with the least disruption to our operations.
“Our aim is always to ensure we create the best working environment for our employees wherever they’re based.”
Despite the early nature of the company’s plans, they are already in talks with Northampton Borough Council about a possible move to the Enterprise Zone.
The firm’s spokesman said: “We’re looking forward to working with the council to develop the right solution for our people and the town.
“Much work needs to take place before we finally come to a decision and it’s difficult to estimate time scales at this stage.
“We will now need to enter a formal planning and discussion process with Northampton Borough Council.”
The leader of Northampton Borough Council, Councillor David Mackintosh (Con, Rectory Farm) added: “Nationwide is a key Northampton employer and we value their presence in the town.
“I’m very pleased to hear that the company is committed to Northampton and have assured Nationwide that we will work closely with them to support their aspirations for the future, whether that means redeveloping their existing site at Moulton Park or moving into the Enterprise Zone.”
Businesses are encouraged to relocate to Northampton’s Enterprise Zone through the use of tax breaks and relaxed planning laws.
Carlsberg has already expended its brewery in the Enterprise Zone and the University of Northampton has revealed plans to relocate their campus to the zone.