MIRA, the advanced engineering, research and testing facility, has today been awarded Enterprise Zone status.
The decision will be a huge boost to the engineering firm’s bid to create the most advanced, independent transport technology development in Europe, generating more than 2,000 jobs over the next ten years.
Commenting on the announcement George Gillespie, MIRA Chief Executive Officer, said:
“Securing Enterprise Zone status for MIRA Technology Park (MTP) means a great deal to this development – crucially it significantly enhances our international competitiveness. One of the core aims of the MTP is to help attract inward investment from international transport and automotive businesses. Becoming an Enterprise Zone makes the MTP a very commercial and compelling location – particularly for overseas companies looking to establish a European Research & Development centre.
“The MTP will result in the creation of thousands of jobs for our region – a second major benefit of becoming an Enterprise Zone is it allows us to move ahead with our development plans more expediently. The faster generation of jobs for our locality and beyond through supply chain growth is a priceless opportunity for our region in the current climate.”
The MTP development will cover 87.5 Hectares and comprise 155,000 sqm of developed space, providing an ideal platform for transport technology businesses to establish their R&D operations. As well as providing R&D operations for businesses from around the globe, MTP will also be host to a new 43,000sqm state-of-the-art Engineering Centre (featuring modern, environmentally sustainable office space) for MIRA.
Construction work has already commenced on the first MTP building, which has been brought forward and approved separately to the main master plan, to support the current demand. The master plan will be finalised over the next few months with development work for the rest of the MTP scheduled to commence early next year, with the phased upgrading of key infrastructure and construction of the first of the new R&D centres.
Commenting on the development’s Enterprise Zone status Councillor Stuart Bray, Leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, said:
“I am delighted to hear that the MIRA Technology Park in Hinckley has become an Enterprise Zone – one of only 11 in this second phase.
“This is fantastic news for the local economy as it will transform economic prospects across Hinckley and Bosworth and the surrounding area. It will attract new businesses, bring fresh investment and create more jobs.
“I welcome this announcement and would like to pay tribute to everyone at MIRA, the LEP and the Borough Council who supported this bid.”
