Midlands & East Anglia

Constructing MIRA Technology Park

A £300 million project to create a new UK business and technology park in the north west of Hinckley is underway.

The MIRA Technology Park is being built for independent vehicle engineering consultancy, MIRA. The project comprises the creation of a new state-of-the-art Engineering Centre and Technology Park to replace existing buildings with modern low carbon designs, and the creation of new community cycle paths and sporting facilities. In addition, new lakes will also be created on the site whilst a number of trees will be planted around the development.

Once work is complete on the project, MIRA Technology Park will provide a unique opportunity for transport sector companies to base their European R&D operations in a central UK location.

Deeley Construction is the main contractor on the MIRA Technology Park project, whilst Geddes Architects is providing all architectural services.

Work began on the project in early 2012. The site spans 87.5 hectare and at present work is divided into a phased programme which will take place over a ten year timeframe.

Throughout the planning and the construction stages of the project, MIRA is working closely with local authorities – including Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council – to keep an open line of communication regarding the work. In addition, MIRA received a significant investment of £19.4 million from the Regional Growth Fund to help the company to increase its business growth.

MIRA 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 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 received from the government – which saw us granted Enterprise Zone status and awarded £19.4 million from the Regional Growth Fund.

“Having met with Nick Clegg MP to explain our engineering capabilities, the job creation potential and inward investment opportunities that our expansion represents, I was very gratified with the result – which will help to create 2000 jobs.

“This is an excellent example of government working together with the private sector to encourage growth and investment – which in our case was critical for the creation of the 155,000 sq m MIRA Technology Park development which incorporates a new MIRA engineering centre and firmly establishes both the region and the UK as a centre of excellence in transportation R&D.”

The money provided by the Regional Grant Fund will be used to improve roadways around the park – including junctions along the A5 – whilst at the same time will reduce the need for future private investments.

Commenting on the Regional Growth Fund investment Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Leader, Councillor Stuart Bray, said:

“I was delighted with the fantastic news which is great for MIRA and great for the Borough. This will help guarantee the delivery of over 2000 new jobs to the area, many highly skilled. It will also secure major, much needed improvements to the A5, particularly at the notorious Redgate, Longshoot and Dodwells junctions.

“The Council worked closely in partnership with colleagues at MIRA on the bid and will continue that work on helping to deliver the exciting plans for the new world class transport Technology Park.”

MIRA Technology Park is scheduled to reach completion in 2020.

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