Technology park expansion key to the Engine for Growth says Minister
THE expansion of Warwickshire technology centre and Enterprise Zone, HORIBA MIRA is crucial to establishing the wider Midlands region as the UK’s Engine for Growth, the government has said.
Phase One of the multi-million pound expansion of the technology park has been completed and the new facilities created have been instrumental in attracting leading global automotive businesses such as Aston Martin to the centre.
Local Government Minister Marcus Jones, who visited the site, said: “MIRA Technology Park is one of our highest-performing Enterprise Zones, so I am delighted to see further investment in a world-class resource that is at the heart of our motor industry.
“As part of our long term economic plan, the Midlands economy has the potential to grow by £34bn by 2030, and by the end of this parliament, there could be as many as 300,000 extra jobs. (MIRA) will play a key role in helping to deliver this.
“(This) new development demonstrates how, by focussing on innovation, finance and skills and developing world-class infrastructure we can create an environment in which the Midlands will cement its place as an economic engine for the whole nation.”
Phase Two of the HORIBA MIRA Technology Park development, which includes an additional 500,000 sq ft of space, is now underway, with a further three buildings totalling 90,000 sq ft expected to commence construction this year.
It is estimated a further 2,000 high value manufacturing jobs will be created at the technology park by 2025, with a further 3,000 as a consequence in the regional supply chain.
