Four new units are to be constructed as part of the new facility, as well as an emissions test lab
In 2014 Millbrook revealed its plans to create a Technology Park consisting of four developments, each with access to the proving ground facilities. It has now secured government funding and is seeking new tenants for the sites. A 6,000m² workshop and office space is already available, while planning permission is now in place for another 24,900m² build for occupation within 12-18 months.
Each of the development zones offers its own road connection and will also have easy access to Millbrook’s test tracks and facilities. Zones 1 and 2 are closest to the major test facilities and offices while Zone 3, which is the largest development area, is close to Millbrook Rail Station. Each sits in a secure area providing confidentiality; Zone 4 benefits from a separate location.
The four units will be built according to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards as a minimum. This will be achieved by considering sustainable materials, green roof top applications, rain-water harvesting and solar energy installations.
According to CEO Alex Burns, the next crucial phase is securing occupants: “The ideal tenants for us are companies that will come here, develop something interesting, and need some support with that development. We already have some availability. For the rest of the development it’s ‘build to suit’ and we’ll work with the company to design the building they want.”
He adds, “The roads are all there, but for two of them we will need to put new gates in. We’ve got planning permission, which was the key thing, and now it’s just a case of doing the work.”
As part of the plans, Millbrook is also developing an emissions laboratory, which will house a large vehicle temperature chamber and two passenger vehicle size dynamometers with four-wheel drive capability. That work is currently out to tender, but Burns hopes to have contracted it within the next three months, and have the facility up and running in April next year.
“We’ve already had interest but the process now is really getting the word out and launching the project,” Burns summarizes.
