Plans in for expansion of business park – 1,700 jobs could be created

Proposals to expand Mercia Park in north west Leicestershire which could create 1,700 jobs have been submitted.

The planning application for the expansion of the site, which is near Junction 11 of the M42, has been prepared by Midlands property company, IM Properties – the developer of Mercia Park.

The site, which currently employs more than 2,500 people, is the home of JLR’s Global Logistics Centre (Unipart) and a flagship facility for global transport and logistics company DSV.

Expansion of Mercia Park could create between 1,000 and 1,700 jobs on site once complete and fully operational and deliver an estimated £2.8m per year in business rates, says IM

North West Leicestershire District Council’s draft Local Plan has proposed the land to the north of Junction 11, M42 as a potential allocation for strategic distribution, recognising that new development at this site could capitalise on the profile and infrastructure at Mercia Park.

Matthew Fox, planning director at IM Properties, said: “Mercia Park has demonstrated that it is a leading location for business with excellent transport links and net zero-ready buildings all within a high quality landscaped setting.

“Expansion of this important economic asset would capitalise on the profile and success of the site and provide much-needed new business space to help drive inward investment in Leicestershire.”