£300 million MIRA development given green light 07 December 2011

Vehicle engineering, research and test facility MIRA has been given the go-ahead for its £300 million redevelopment plan, following a positive endorsement from both of the local authorities near Hinckley.

MIRA chief executive George Gillespie says the scheme will transform the iconic organisation's 850 acre site, create more than 2,000 jobs and bring economic prosperity to the region.

"This is a pivotal moment in our 65 year history," says Gillespie. "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 have 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 have already received from government - which recently saw us granted Enterprise Zone status and awarded £19.4m from the Regional Growth Fund," he adds.

Work on the development is scheduled to begin next year (2012) and Gillespie expects it to continue in phases for 10 years, as part of MIRA's long-term plan to become the most advanced, independent transport technology facility in Europe.

The development will see inefficient existing buildings replaced by modern low carbon designs, as well as the creation of a new state-of-the-art engineering centre and technology park.

Author
Brian Tinham

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