MIRA releases details of new Hinckley site

An artist's impression of how the MIRA site might look

Warwickshire engineering firm MIRA has released more details of its plans to develop a new site.

The proposed site, near Hinckley, Leicestershire, will now cost £300m and the firm hopes it will be an "advanced transport technology facility".

The development's focal point will feature an engineering centre with a research and development facility, incorporating a technology park.

A MIRA spokeswoman said the Nuneaton firm was outgrowing its existing site.

The company is hoping to develop a new site to the north west of Hinckley.

Plans due to be submitted for outline planning permission next month will include a hotel and shops, as well as football pitches and tennis courts.

Development work is expected to begin in early 2012 and the company says it is addressing the current lack of public transport to the site.

Stuart Bray, leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, said the plans were a vote of confidence in the existing workforce.

Public exhibitions of the plans are taking place on Saturday at the Atkins Building in Hinckley from 1100 GMT to 1700 GMT, and on 5 March at the Rope Walk shopping centre in Nuneaton from 0900 GMT to 1700 GMT.