SGP gains planning permission for latest units at MIRA Centre of Excellence

Stephen George + Partners (SGP) is celebrating gaining planning permission for a new 10,719 sqm unit at MIRA Tech Park in Leicestershire, Europe’s largest automotive research and development (R&D) hub.

Comments Hing Ow, Associate at SGP: “The new development is the latest phase in the expansion of MIRA Tech Park and aims to create a “MIRA Centre of Excellence”, supporting economic growth within the heart of the UK’s automotive and engineering sector. We have worked with our client ERI MTP Limited to deliver a high quality development, within the wider MIRA Tech Park campus ultimately spanning approximately 1000 acres and comprising over 4 million square feet. It will provide a unique environment designed to encourage innovation, research, and development within the fast growing automotive and mobility cluster”.

Plot 8 is the largest single facility to gain consent within the MIRA Tech Park, and comprises 5.5 acres of serviced development land within a landscaped park setting. The approved plans include associated car parking, the provision of cycle and walking infrastructure, landscaping and foul and surface water attenuation and infrastructure.

The building will be divided into two units, along its length with a mirrored layout. Each unit comprises of two storey offices at the front and workshop at the rear, with a secure service yard. The simple shape of the building uses a vertical cladding panel system with expressed joints between each panel, to create a crisp and contemporary appearance. Large spans of curtain walling frame the entrance, and, coupled with the use of clear glass double glazed ribbon windows, add to the clean aesthetic. A palette of light and mid grey compliments the building’s simplicity and contrasts with the lush green landscape that surrounds it.

The MIRA site has a long-term programme of increasing and enhancing its already impressive Green Infrastructure. Through the heart of the masterplan runs a swathe of land – a linear park – linking together the various sections. It provides an amenity for the occupiers and actively encourages indigenous plants, animals, and wildlife. Wrapping around the Plot 8 development area, specifically the car parking bays, mixed native hedges will create a strong visual barrier between the Linear Park and development area. Hedge planting will connect newly formed habitat across the site along with large areas of wildflower or meadow grassland which will be focused on sloped areas, to minimise maintenance. Closer to the proposed building, the planting will be more ornamental, providing seasonal interest for users and a softening to the new built-form.

Newly created wetland ponds will both collect and store surface water from the hard surfacing and create a valuable habitat. The vehicle area runoff is treated in a variety of methods, including permeable car parks, and swales, filter strips and full retention interceptors to roads and yards, before the water enters the new ponds.

The design has an emphasis on passive environmental control and occupant wellbeing, targeting a BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating. Brise soleil panels have been incorporated on the south-facing and side office elevations to reduce solar gain and improve internal comfort. The roof will accommodate photovoltaic panels together with a minimum of 10% translucent rooflights.

The MIRA Tech Park is strategically located in the Midlands within the heart of the UK’s automotive and engineering sector. It is well-connected to major road networks, including the M6, M69, and A5, offering excellent transport links to Birmingham, Coventry, and London.