Private equity investor and developer Evans Randall Investors has submitted a planning application for a major extension to MIRA Technology Park (MTP) on the Leicestershire/Warwickshire border.
In June 2021, Evans Randall Investors signed a joint venture agreement with HORIBA MIRA to become the exclusive developer for MTP and oversee the next phase of its development, which will include an expansion to 150 acres in addition to the advancement of the existing MTP site south of the existing cluster.
The proposed Southern Manufacturing Sector will connect directly to the existing MTP site and add 2.3 million square feet, bringing the overall size of the development to 3.5 million square feet and creating an additional 2,500 jobs. The plans will increase MTP’s capacity to accommodate large facilities up to 700,000 square feet.
MTP is already home to over 35 major international companies including Bosch, Polestar, Jaguar Land Rover and Toyota. MTP also includes more than 40 major vehicle development facilities and offers work for more than 1,000 qualified engineers.
James Edwards, Managing Director of Evans Randall Investors, said: “The planned expansion of the MIRA Technology Park, which will allow the development of large-scale manufacturing facilities alongside the existing world-wide unique combination of R&D facilities, engineering services and test facilities, is representative major step forward in the development of this asset and will bring further foreign investment to the Midlands region.
With a rich history of innovation, the park is now pioneering the next generation of automotive research and development, advancing the technologies that will transform global mobility into the zero-carbon era.
“This master plan will cement MIRA Technology Park’s status as a globally significant cluster, attracting world-leading companies and developing and retaining local talent in the Midlands.”
Tim Nathan, Managing Director of MIRA Technology Park added: “The proposals outline an exciting vision for the park’s expansion that builds on recent momentum. Over the past year, investments have been made in renewable energy generation, including a hydrogen electrolyser that will provide green hydrogen for R&D purposes and the low-carbon innovation center. This planning application will further cement the park’s position at the forefront of UK research and development.”
The team will work with local development manager Swanvale Developments to implement the program. Stephen George + Partners acted as master plan architect and Barton Willmore as planning consultant.
