£300 Million MIRA Development Given Green Light
Advanced engineering, research and test facility MIRA has been given the go-ahead for its £300 million redevelopment plans following a positive endorsement from both of the local authorities neighbouring its UK headquarters near Hinckley.
At Planning Committee meetings of the Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and North Warwickshire Borough Council – which took place on Tuesday (15th) and Monday (14th) respectively – there was unanimous support for the scheme which will transform MIRA’s 850 acre site, create over 2,000 jobs and bring economic prosperity to the region.
Commenting on the positive outcome of the meetings Chief Executive Officer George Gillespie said:
“This is a pivotal moment in our 65 year history. It paves the way for an unprecedented period of growth for our business and will turn the international spotlight on our region – attracting investment, boosting jobs and benefiting local businesses.
“We have worked closely with both councils and the Highways Agency throughout the planning process and are delighted that this show of local support equals that which we have already received from government – which recently saw us granted Enterprise Zone status and awarded £19.4m from the Regional Growth Fund.”
Work on the development is scheduled to begin in 2012 and will continue in phases over a ten year period as part of the business’ long-term vision to become the most advanced, independent transport technology facility in Europe.
The development will see inefficient existing buildings replaced by modern low carbon designs, as well as the creation of a new state-of-the-art Engineering Centre and Technology Park – providing the business with the capacity to match its capability over the next 30 years and beyond.
MIRA’s approach to sustainability will see the latest construction techniques deployed – incorporating natural, locally sourced materials where feasible – as well as lakes and landscaping that will enhance the overall ecology of the site.
Councillor Stuart Bray, Leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council added:
“I am delighted to announce that the Council has resolved to grant planning permission for what will be a new world class Transport Technology Park at MIRA.
“The Council will continue to work in partnership with MIRA to help facilitate the early delivery of the scheme – which will bring thousands of highly skilled job opportunities to the area and transform the current site with modern, high tech and excellent quality sustainable buildings.
“The scheme will also bring about some long-awaited improvements to the A5 thanks to the RGF funding announced earlier this month. We can all look forward to junction upgrades at Redgate, Longshoot and Dodwells that will ease traffic flow and tackle congestion at these well known bottlenecks and accident blackspots.”
