Green light for automotive research cluster expansion

GMI Construction Group has been awarded the £16M contract to deliver the next units on Europe’s largest automotive research and development cluster.

It forms part of the major masterplan expansion of MIRA Technology Park (MTP), near Nuneaton, Warwickshire, by HORIBA MIRA and Evans Randall Investors, with the project delivery managed by Swanvale Developments.

A groundbreaking ceremony has been held to mark commencement of Plot 9, which is divided into two large units, each providing 3,344m² of high-quality office and technical space.

The growth in the MIRA cluster is being fuelled by advances in low-carbon automotive technology, including electric vehicle development, cleantech fuels – such as hydrogen, and emerging autonomous and connected car technologies.

The Plot 9 units will be steel framed using cladding that compliments the rest of the MTP development. They will consist of open plan workshop space, offices, service yards, and parking, and will be completed to CAT A fit out standard.

Andy Macdonald, Managing Director of Swanvale Developments, said: “The construction of this next phase of facilities is another major landmark for MTP, building on the infrastructure investment.”

Gareth Jones, GMI’s Regional Managing Director for the Midlands, said: “We are proud to play a role in further cementing MTP’s global reputation as a centre for sustainable automotive innovation through the delivery of additional research and development facilities.”