Evans Randall Investors Secures Green Light for Expansion of MIRA Technology Park in Midlands

By Anushka Malhotra

1 minute 21 seconds

Investment

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Quick Read: Evans Randall Investors secures approval for a significant expansion of MIRA Technology Park in the Midlands, introducing over 20 hectares of manufacturing and industrial facilities, set to generate 2,500 skilled jobs. The expansion aligns with the UK government's emphasis on boosting the automotive sector and solidifies MIRA Technology Park's role in driving R&D, engineering, and production capabilities.

Private equity investor and developer Evans Randall Investors has received approval from North Warwickshire Borough Council for a substantial expansion of MIRA Technology Park (MTP) in the Midlands. The approved "South Site" is set to introduce over 20 hectares of manufacturing and industrial facilities, complementing the existing Research and Development (R&D) facilities at MTP. The expansion is poised to generate 2,500 skilled jobs, with substantial investments in power and road infrastructure to support progress on site.

This expansion is a significant boon to the UK's manufacturing capabilities, with a particular focus on enhancing the automotive sector—one of the key industries highlighted in the government's €5.3 billion Advanced Manufacturing Plan announced in the Chancellor's 2023 Autumn Statement.

Photo Credit: ING Media

James Edwards, Managing Director of Evans Randall Investors, expressed excitement about advancing the expansion plans for MIRA Technology Park. The new South Site aims to further solidify MTP's global significance, providing a versatile range of large-scale manufacturing, production, and industrial facilities spanning from 250,000 to 1 million sq ft. Edwards highlighted the rarity of securing consents of such scale and flexibility in a sought-after location, emphasizing the park's strategic positioning amid global economic and geopolitical considerations.

Tim Nathan, Managing Director of MIRA Technology Park, looks forward to progressing the vision for the park's expansion alongside Evans Randall Investors. The surge in investment in automotive and renewable energy transition over recent years aligns with the park's commitment to being a forefront player in the UK's R&D, engineering, and production capabilities.

Cushman & Wakefield serves as the leasing agent for MTP, while Evans Randall Investors will collaborate with local development manager Swanvale Developments to bring the project to fruition. Stephen George + Partners has contributed as the master plan architect, and Stantec has played a crucial role in providing planning consultancy.

This strategic expansion underscores the commitment to fostering innovation, job creation, and bolstering the UK's position in the global manufacturing landscape.

Read Press Release here.

What's new

CreaTech Frontiers Launch Unlocks £250K in Funding for West Midlands Creative Innovators

Creative SMEs in the West Midlands are being given a major boost with the launch of CreaTech Frontiers, a new innovation cluster that has opened applications for the first £250,000 round of grant funding.

The programme, which offers individual grants of up to £10,000, is designed to help freelancers and small creative businesses develop groundbreaking ideas at the intersection of creativity and technology. The funding forms part of a £7.2 million, five-year initiative led by a consortium of regional powerhouses including Birmingham City University (BCU), University of Birmingham, Coventry University, University of Warwick, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. It’s funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council as part of the UK Research and Innovation's Creative Industries Cluster Programme.

Photo Credit: University of Warwick

Officially launched on April 29 at STEAMhouse, BCU’s innovation centre, CreaTech Frontiers marks the first time the West Midlands has received funding through this prestigious national scheme.

Professor Lamberto Coccioli, Director of CreaTech Frontiers, said:

“These early-stage grants will give creative entrepreneurs access not just to capital, but also to university-led research and resources that can turn ambitious ideas into reality. This is about unlocking cultural, social and economic value across the region.”

CreaTech Frontiers is aiming to ignite a wave of innovation in sectors like gaming, immersive tech, live performance, visual arts, and creative technologies. Successful applicants will also gain access to facilities across the five partner institutions, along with specialist academic support during the R&D phase.

Future plans include a second, larger round of grant funding, a pilot with Birmingham Opera Company, collaborative projects with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and the formation of an apprenticeship working group to support skills development.

Rachel Davis, Director of Warwick Enterprise, said:

“Through this collaboration, we’re strengthening the region’s identity as a creative and tech innovation hub. With a shared focus on inclusion and sustainability, CreaTech Frontiers will ensure diverse voices are at the forefront of this growing ecosystem.”

The West Midlands Combined Authority is also backing the initiative, which it believes could contribute £65 million and create 1,500 jobs by 2030 within the regional creative and gaming economy.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker added:

“Our region is full of bold, young thinkers pushing the boundaries of tech and creativity. CreaTech Frontiers connects these minds with the world-class research coming out of our universities, creating the conditions for global impact.”

Applications open Monday 2 June 2025.

Interested SMEs can register now

to be part of the next generation of CreaTech pioneers.

By Anushka Malhotra

2 May