MIRA reveals £300m Technology Park masterplan

ADVANCED engineering body MIRA has revealed the full extent of its £300m masterplan for the redevelopment of its Midlands site.

The ambitious project will turn the 850-acre site near Nuneaton into one of the most advanced, independent transport technology facilities in Europe with the potential to create more than 2,000 jobs over a 10-year period.

The scheme has been developed in collaboration with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and follows a widespread public consultation.

The proposed Technology Park would comprise contemporary buildings of between two and four storeys and its focal point would be a 43,000sqm state-of-the-art Engineering Centre featuring modern, environmentally sustainable office space. Adjacent to it would be a 155,000sqm R&D facility incorporating advanced engineering workshops.

The development would replace outdated 1950s buildings which have now reached near full capacity.

Terry Spall, Commercial Director of MIRA Technology Park Ltd, said: “MIRA has seen continued growth over the past three years and 2010 was a record year with turnover up 30% to £37m. However, we are rapidly outgrowing our existing facilities and this development is crucial to providing the business with the capacity to match its capability over the next 30 years and beyond.

“This long-term vision means that sustainability is at the heart of the development. We have incorporated the latest low carbon building design and construction techniques – including a pallet of materials that are natural, locally sourced and recycled – into our plans. We also intend to use renewable energy sources and extensive landscaping, including lakes and cycle paths, to enhance the ecology of our site.”

MIRA’s plans also include amenities to cater for the companies and workers that will occupy the new development. These include a hotel and retail facilities as well as provision for sport and leisure – such as football pitches and tennis courts.

Development work could begin in early 2012 with the replacement of existing buildings and infrastructure taking place in phases over the next decade.

The plan also involves widening the A5 to open the site up for redevelopment and ultimately improve the traffic flow. This will see the creation of a new section of dual carriageway and a second road junction.

The lack of a public transport link is also being addressed through a green travel plan, while the scheme also includes cycle routes.

Cllr Stuart Bray, leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, said: “This is a great vote of confidence in the existing workforce and the potential of people who live in the borough. Not only that, but such a prestigious development would also attract more high quality companies to the site.”